South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, is on the verge of securing top spot in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. They face South Sudan in their final match on Tuesday, November 19, at the Cape Town Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6 PM CAT.
Having already booked their place at Morocco 2025, South Africa now aims to finish first in their group. A victory would not only cement their dominance but also improve their seeding for the tournament’s group stage draw.
Bafana Bafana confirmed their qualification in the previous round of matches. South Sudan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Congo last Thursday secured AFCON tickets for both South Africa and Uganda.
South Africa then capitalized on the opportunity with a 2-0 win over Uganda in Kampala, courtesy of second-half goals from Thapelo Morena and Patrick Maswanganyi. That result propelled them to the top of Group K, setting the stage for their final showdown against South Sudan in Cape Town.
Coach Hugo Broos on the Importance of Finishing First
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos emphasized the significance of finishing as group leaders:
“Let’s say we win on Tuesday; we will have 14 points, and that’s a lot. It’s important for us to show we deserve this qualification and top the group.”
Broos added that finishing first would counter claims that Bafana Bafana were lucky to qualify, following South Sudan’s unexpected triumph over Congo.
“We proved that we don’t need luck. We can win our own games when it matters the most,” he said.
South Sudan: Momentum on Their Side
While South Africa is the favorite, South Sudan’s Bright Stars will not be pushovers. They are unbeaten in their last three matches, including the 3-2 win over Congo that turned heads across Africa. A brace from Ebon Ezibon and a goal by Data Elly secured that crucial victory.
The Bright Stars have also shown their mettle in other competitions, with a win and a draw against Kenya in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers in late October and early November.
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Building on Past Performances
In their only previous meeting, South Africa narrowly edged South Sudan 3-2 in Juba during the early stages of the AFCON qualifiers. That match saw an exciting battle, with Oswin Appollis scoring twice for Bafana Bafana, while South Sudan’s Tito Okello and Valentino Yeul kept their side in contention before Thalente Mbatha netted a dramatic injury-time winner.
South Sudan will be looking to avenge that loss and end their qualifying campaign on a high note.
Why Top Spot Matters
Securing the top position in Group K is more than just a matter of pride for South Africa. It will significantly improve their seeding for the AFCON 2025 group stage draw, potentially giving them a more favorable path in the tournament.
Bafana Bafana’s return to consistent performances under Hugo Broos has been a positive development, and finishing first in their group would mark another step forward for the team’s resurgence.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa
- Thapelo Morena: Scored a crucial goal against Uganda and remains a versatile and reliable option for Bafana.
- Patrick Maswanganyi: His composure and finishing have been vital in recent games.
- Oswin Appollis: A brace against South Sudan in their last meeting makes him a player to watch.
South Sudan
- Ebon Ezibon: The Bright Stars striker was pivotal in their win over Congo, scoring two goals.
- Tito Okello: His ability to find the back of the net makes him a constant threat.
- Valentino Yeul: A key playmaker who will look to influence the game against South Africa.
What to Expect on Match Day
The Cape Town Stadium will host what promises to be an exciting encounter. South Africa, buoyed by their home advantage and recent form, will aim to control the game from the start. Hugo Broos is likely to emphasize discipline and clinical finishing, ensuring his team capitalizes on any opportunities that come their way.
South Sudan, meanwhile, will focus on their counter-attacking prowess, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from Bafana Bafana. With their recent unbeaten run, the Bright Stars will come into this game with confidence and determination.
