- After thrashing Congo 5-0, Bafana Bafana couldn't maintain their momentum, resulting in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
- Elias Mokwana's early goal gave South Africa the lead, but Hugo Broos’ team struggled to capitalize and had to settle for a draw as Congo made a strong comeback.
- South African football enthusiasts took to social media, critiquing Bafana's performance and questioning several tactical decisions.
Bafana Bafana couldn’t quite replicate their previous match's magic against Congo, settling for a 1-1 draw in Brazzaville on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, during an Afcon qualifying encounter. The result was a stark contrast to their commanding 5-0 victory just days earlier. It was a game that showcased both the potential and the pitfalls of this current Bafana Bafana team.
Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana faced a tough challenge to repeat their previous performance. The team, which dominated Congo in their earlier clash, struggled to find their rhythm this time around. The match could have easily gone either way, but ultimately ended in a draw that left both sides with mixed feelings.
Without their star striker Lyle Foster, Bafana Bafana still managed to control possession effectively in the early stages. Their efforts paid off in the 33rd minute when Elias Mokwana found the back of the net, giving South Africa the lead. It seemed like the perfect start, but Congo had other plans.
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Following the opening goal, there was a brief moment of optimism among the South African players and fans. However, Congo quickly turned up the pressure and began to dominate the midfield. This shift in momentum changed the dynamics of the match and left Bafana Bafana scrambling to hold on to their lead.
Congo's Fightback Nearly Upsets Bafana
Bafana Bafana drew against Congo, as highlighted in the tweet below:
Mokwana’s goal initially seemed to spark Congo into action, leading to a series of promising attacks. A goal was disallowed due to an offside call, and there were calls for a penalty after a controversial challenge on Teboho Mokoena. The home fans were visibly frustrated with the referee's decisions, but their spirits were lifted when Mons Bassounamina equalized just before halftime.
Bafana’s Minor Setback in Congo
In the second half, Congo continued to press and eventually earned another penalty, but they failed to convert it, much to the relief of Bafana's defense. Despite this, Congo created several more chances that could have swung the match in their favor. In the end, it was Bafana's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who stood out, making crucial saves to preserve the draw.
The final whistle blew, confirming the 1-1 stalemate. With this result, Bafana sits in second place in the Afcon qualifying group, with two matches left to play. Their next challenge is an away game against group leaders Uganda on Monday, November 11, 2024. Coach Hugo Broos will undoubtedly be reflecting on this performance and hoping for positive news regarding the injury status of Themba Zwane, who was forced off in the first half.
Fans Question Broos’ Tactical Choices
Social media erupted with reactions from local football fans who were not shy about voicing their opinions. Many criticized Broos’ tactical decisions and expressed disappointment with Bafana’s overall performance. The fans felt that the team could have done more to secure a win and maintain their momentum after the impressive victory just days prior.
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User Mivo2425 expressed confusion over Broos’ choice to bring on Nyiko Mobbie when Bafana was being dominated in midfield:
"We're being dominated in the midfield, and the coach decides to bring on Nyiko Mobbie?"
Karabomotsepe77 shared his concerns about the injury to Themba Zwane, affectionately known as "Mshishi":
"Hope Mshishi's injury is not serious."
LesibaHeavy advocated for a change in the squad, specifically calling for the return of Makgopa:
"This coach must bring back Makgopa."
BeachBum_ZA questioned the selection of Rushwin Dortley over Sesane:
"Why is Dortley playing ahead of Sesane?"
Dan24Stock summed up the general sentiment with a blunt critique:
"Not an impressive performance."
Ronwen Williams Claims Another Top Local Award
Amid the mixed reactions, there was some good news for Bafana Bafana as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams added another accolade to his growing list of achievements. As reported by Briefly News, Williams was awarded the SAFJA Footballer of the Season Award. This win comes on the heels of his PSL Golden Glove Award and Player of the Season honors from last season.
Williams’ performance against Congo further solidified his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the country. His ability to make key saves at crucial moments has been a significant factor in Bafana’s recent successes, and his contributions continue to be recognized both locally and internationally.
