Bafana Bafana’s journey through the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers has been marked by standout players who have made their mark with crucial goals.
As they prepare to face Congo in a pivotal home clash in Gqeberha, fans eagerly look back at the leading scorers who have helped propel the national team through past campaigns.
These players, from Percy Tau to Sibusiso Zuma, have etched their names in South Africa’s football history.
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1. Percy Tau – The AFCON Qualifier King
Percy Tau tops the list as Bafana’s all-time leading scorer in AFCON qualifiers with eight goals. Known for his pace and sharp finishing, Tau has been a consistent performer for South Africa.
His journey began with a goal against Nigeria in a famous 2-0 win in June 2017. He added another against Seychelles and followed up with a vital brace against Libya in 2019, which secured Bafana’s spot in the finals that year.
His contributions continued with a string of goals against Sao Tome e Principe, including a brace in a 4-2 victory. Tau also found the net in a 1-1 draw with Ghana, showing his ability to step up in crucial moments.
Despite his impressive record, Tau was not included for recent matches against Uganda and South Sudan, leaving fans to wonder if he will add to his tally in upcoming campaigns.
His absence highlights the importance of finding new talents to fill the scoring gap as Bafana aims for qualification in Morocco 2025.
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2. Tokelo Rantie – A Story of What Could Have Been
With six goals in AFCON qualifiers, Tokelo Rantie sits second on the list alongside Phil Masinga. Rantie’s story is one of untapped potential, as his off-field issues halted what could have been a stellar career.
He burst onto the scene with important goals against Congo and Sudan in 2015, showcasing his knack for scoring in high-stakes matches. Rantie’s brace against Nigeria in a 2-2 draw remains a highlight, as does his goal against Cameroon, even though Bafana failed to qualify for the 2017 finals.
His final AFCON qualifier goal came in 2019 when he scored the opener in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Nigeria in Uyo, helping them qualify. Unfortunately, Rantie’s career trajectory declined thereafter, and he was no longer part of the squad by the time the finals arrived.
3. Phil Masinga – The Early Days Icon
Phil Masinga’s name is synonymous with Bafana Bafana’s early AFCON success. Also tied with six goals, Masinga was instrumental in the team’s rise in the 1990s.
His first AFCON qualifier goal came against Mauritius in 1993, and he continued his form by scoring winners against Madagascar and Mauritius in the 1996 qualifiers.
That year, South Africa qualified as hosts, going on to win the tournament, though his goals were pivotal in the lead-up.
Masinga’s later goals included strikes against Gabon and Liberia, demonstrating his longevity and consistency.
Despite facing criticism from fans, his contributions to Bafana’s early AFCON campaigns remain significant, and his legacy as one of the team’s early icons endures.
4. Sibusiso Zuma – The Unlikely Hero
Rounding out the list is Sibusiso Zuma, who scored five goals in AFCON qualifiers for Bafana Bafana. Zuma’s scoring record started with a goal against Mauritius in 2001.
However, it wasn’t until the 2008 qualification campaign that he truly made his mark, netting four goals in three games.
His efforts included goals in back-to-back matches against Chad and a crucial equalizer against Congo.
Though Zuma didn’t feature prominently in the finals, his goals during qualifiers were crucial in keeping Bafana’s hopes alive in those campaigns.
Today, Zuma’s legacy as a versatile forward who could rise to the occasion when needed is fondly remembered by South African fans.
The Road Ahead for Bafana Bafana
As Bafana Bafana prepare for their critical double-header against Congo, they will look to current players to emulate the success of past scorers like Tau, Rantie, Masinga, and Zuma.
A pair of wins in these matches would put South Africa in a strong position to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. With players like Lyle Foster close to surpassing some of these legends, the stage is set for new heroes to emerge.
