Bafana Bafana cruised to a resounding 5-0 victory over Congo in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday night.

The South African national team dominated the match from the outset, scoring three goals in the first half through Teboho Mokoena (brace) and Bathusi Aubaas. Lyle Foster added another goal in the second half, while Iqraam Rayners capitalized on a Congo defensive error to complete the scoring.

The victory was a significant boost for Bafana Bafana, who had faced challenges leading up to the match due to player withdrawals and injuries. Coach Hugo Broos would have been particularly pleased with his team’s performance.

The match was also notable for the return of Bafana Bafana to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for the first time since their victory over Sao Tome in 2020. The stadium was filled with enthusiastic fans, who were encouraged by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to come out and support the team.

The match was briefly interrupted by pitch invasions from excited fans after the second and third goals, but the game resumed after a brief delay. This was the first time Bafana led 3-0 at halftime in an AFCON qualifier since 13 October 2018 against Seychelles at FNB Stadium, a match they went on to win 6-0. Mokoena also scored on that occasion.

They also scored three goals unanswered goals against Burkina Faso in 2017 during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This game also marked a big occasion for Themba Zwane, who was playing his 50^th appearance for Bafana, and the last time Bafana visited this venue in 2020 against Sao Tome in the AFCON qualifiers he scored twice.  

Bafana Bafana’s dominant performance throughout the match ensured a comfortable victory and a strong continuation of booking their tickets to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. This win has seen Bafana go top of Group K on goal difference after Uganda beat South Sudan 1-0 earlier on Saturday.