Bafana Bafana missed out on qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday after they were held 1-1 by Congo in Brazzaville.
However, with two games to play in the Afcon qualifiers, Hugo Broos’ men are still in a good place to qualify behind Ugands, who secured passage to Morocco with a 2-1 win over South Sudan earlier on Tuesday.
Unlike last week’s game, where South Africa hammered Congo 5-0 in Gqeberha, Tuesday’s clash was more competitive, with both sides creating chances early in the first 45 minutes.
And so it ends at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville ..... pic.twitter.com/WU7VgRIAZB
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 15, 2024
Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Elias Mokwana powered his way through the Congolese defence to slot the ball in the goal. His initial shot was blocked by Trey Vimalin in goal, but he was aware and put the rebound in an empty net.
Just before the break, South Africa were fortunate not to find themselves back level when a strike by Mons Bassouamina was disallowed for offside, much to the displeasure of the home fans.
Television replays suggest Congo were hard done by.
In stoppage time, Bassouamina was not denied, though, as he slotted the ball past Ronwen Williams to put them level. South Africa’s defence was unable to pick up the through ball, and were punished as a result.
South Africa came out for the second half without Temba Zwane, who looked like he injured his Achilles tendon in the latter stages of the first 45 minutes.
Without Zwane, the South Africans struggled to get going in the second half, and could have gone behind in the 51st minute, but Bryan Passi’s header from a Congolese corner clattered against the crossbar.
Minutes later, South Africa’s Rushwin Dortley handled the ball in the box, but the referee missed it completely and a penalty was not given, upsetting the home crowd even more.
Broos’ men looked in sixes and sevens as the second half went along as Congo looked to go ahead in the encounter.
The South African defence was nearly caught napping when Silvère Ganvoula eased past Dortley, but couldn’t hit the target with just Williams to beat.
In the end, neither team was able to find the break needed to win the game, and had to settle for the draw.
IOL Sport