11 October 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was a happy man after his charges responded to his call and beat Congo Brazzaville 5-0 in an electrifying 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, on Friday night.
The South African senior men’s national team moved a step closer to qualifying for the continental tournament, to be held in Morocco next year, when a brace from Teboho Mokoena in the 12th and 27th minutes, Bathusi Aubaas (37th), Lyle Foster (52nd) and substitute Iqraam Rayners (78th) sealed the match for the home side.
“I think that it was amazing, the way we started the game, the way we played football. This was something that I always wanted to see from this team, and we did it also in the AFCON (in the beginning of the year in Côte d’Ivoire),” the Belgian mentor said.
“But today it was really fantastic. Many goals, five goals, good football, modern football, forward football, high rhythm in the game. And it shows again what a group of players I have. A group of players I’m very proud of, and I have said it also already before. But those guys know when they have to perform.
“We had a little decompression in September, and we talked about it. And then you see the reaction today. Those guys wanted to make a statement, and they made a statement with good football. But it’s only three points and next Tuesday we have another game. Those five goals don’t count, so we have to prepare ourselves.”
Bafana will travel to Congo Brazzaville on Sunday ahead of the return match on Tuesday, 15 October 2024.
