2025 Afcon Qualifier: Bafana Bafana complete unbeaten qualifying campaign with impressive South Sudan victory as Hugo Broos' side clinch Group K top spot

It’s been nine long years since Bafana Bafana last played in Cape Town, and the long-awaited return to the Mother City proved to be a memorable one.

The game, held at DHL Stadium on Tuesday evening saw Hugo Broos make five changes to his lineup, and the decision paid off as Bafana Bafana cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over South Sudan in the final match of the Afcon qualifiers.

The match got off to a strong start, with the first real chance falling to South Africa's Rushwin Dortley. His header from a cross, however, went wide, allowing Bafana to settle into the game.

In the 7th minute, Bafana Bafana’s breakthrough came. A fantastic run by Oswin Appolis, coupled with his composed delivery in the box, set up Iqraam Rayners, who calmly slotted home for his fifth goal for the national team.

Bafana continued to press, and in the 22nd minute, Patrick Maswanganyi doubled their lead.

A clever shot from Teboho Mokoena was parried by the South Sudanese goalkeeper Majak Mawith, and Maswanganyi was quick to pounce on the rebound, making no mistake in front of goal. Rayners had another opportunity shortly after to extend the lead, but his effort was denied by the keeper.

As the first half drew to a close, South Sudan had a rare opportunity when Bafana Bafana’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was called into action for the first time in the 35th minute, denying a South Sudanese shot on target. Just before halftime, Khuliso Mudau nearly added a fourth with a long-range strike that went just inches wide.

The second half started with Bafana continuing their dominance. In the 50th minute, Bafana were awarded a penalty after Mudau was fouled in the box.

Mokoena, who had already impressed in midfield, confidently stepped up to slot the ball past Mawith, and making it 3-0.

With the game effectively wrapped up, Broos made a couple of changes, including introducing 33-year-old Sage Stephens from Stellenbosch, who made his senior national team debut to cap off a memorable night.

Bafana Bafana finished their group campaign with a perfect record, 14 points from six matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding just five. Their flawless performance in Group K secured their place in the next continental showpiece in December 2025 in Morocco, as they now look ahead to bigger challenges, with a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March on the horizon.

Teboho Mokoena, the 27-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, delivered a standout performance that earned him the MVP honors.

Commanding the midfield with precision, Mokoena was instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game.

His efforts were capped off by a well-taken penalty, adding his name to the scoresheet. With performances like this, he continues to solidify his reputation as one of South Africa's finest midfielders.

The South Sudan technical team will reflect on their campaign as a missed opportunity, managing only one victory in the qualifiers.

Their tactics against Bafana Bafana lacked innovation, leaving their side unable to pose any significant threat throughout the 90 minutes. Despite flashes of effort, they struggled to execute a coherent game plan to challenge the South Africans.

This performance underscores the need for strategic overhaul and better preparation for future competitions.

Having clinched Group K in impressive fashion, Bafana Bafana now shift their focus to the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Next up is a crucial clash in March against neighbors Lesotho, a matchup that presents both an opportunity and a challenge.

With momentum on their side, South Africa will aim to start their qualification campaign strongly, building on their recent form.

The team will need to fine-tune its strategies and maintain its focus to ensure a successful road to the global stage.