Mbule Stunner Seals Bafana Win Over Ghana In AFCON Warm-Up Friendly

Sipho Mbule scored a spectacular second-half goal as Bafana Bafana signed off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations with a 1–0 victory over Ghana in a warm-up friendly at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night.

The result offered head coach Hugo Broos a positive send-off as the South African national team prepares to travel to Morocco on Wednesday for the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Bafana Bafana, who have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe, will open their AFCON campaign against Angola on 22 December in Marrakech.

Broos Rotates Squad Ahead of AFCON

As promised, Broos rotated his squad against Ghana, using the final friendly to give fringe players valuable game time before the continental showpiece.

Thabang Matuludi, Ricardo Goss, Bathusi Aubaas, Khulumane Ndamane and Tshepang Moremi were all handed starts, with Nkosinathi Sibisi captaining the side.

Matuludi, who featured for South Africa at last year’s COSAFA Cup, nearly put his team under pressure with a poor back pass early on, but Sibisi reacted quickly to clear the danger.

Ghana fielded a youthful and largely local-based squad, without head coach Otto Addo, after failing to qualify for the AFCON. The Black Stars ended their qualifying campaign without a single win, although they have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — as have Bafana Bafana.

Mbule Delivers Moment of Quality

Despite their AFCON absence, Ghana started brightly in Soweto, pressing high and pinning South Africa deep in the early stages. Bafana struggled to find space, with most of the play confined to their own half.

Mbule provided the first real threat when he headed wide from Mohau Nkota’s free kick, before later dragging a shot wide after Ghana failed to clear their lines.

South Africa gradually grew into the match, forcing Ghana deeper and limiting their ability to build from the back.

Broos made three changes at the break, introducing Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine for Thalente Mbatha, Ricardo Goss and Nkota, as Bafana looked for greater control and a shot on target.

The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute. Mbule intercepted possession in midfield and unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that beat Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Osei, sending the Dobsonville crowd into celebration.

Narrow Escape Late On

Ghana were largely subdued after falling behind but came close to an equaliser when Emmanuel Annor used his pace and strength to shrug off Khulumane Ndamane before firing a shot against the base of the post, with Chaine beaten.

It proved to be Ghana’s best — and only — clear chance of the match as Bafana saw out the victory comfortably.

With the win secured, attention now turns fully to AFCON, where Bafana Bafana will be aiming to match or improve on their bronze-medal finish at last year’s tournament in Ivory Coast.