15 October 2024 – Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo Brazzaville in an away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville on Tuesday evening.
Coach Hugo Broos’ charges were the first to get their name on the stadium scoreboard after Elias Mokwana scored the opening goal of the match in the 33rd minute following a superb pass from Aubrey Modiba. The South African senior national men’s team had created a host of chances leading up to that point and Mokwana’s goal was deserved. Mokwana powered his way past the Congo rearguard to eventually beat goalkeeper Ethan Vimalin, who had saved the initial shot from the South African.
Bafana Bafana suffered a blow when talismanic midfielder Themba Zwane had to be substituted by Patrick Maswanganyi just before the break due to an injury.
The hosts fought their way back to level matters through striker Andre Bassouamina on the stroke of halftime, sending the packed stadium into pandemonium.
Both sides created enough opportunities to win the match in the second half, but in the end the visitors had to settle for a draw. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume in November when Bafana travel to Uganda to face the Group K leaders away from home, and then return to host South Sudan in the final match of the group.
