Bafana Bafana concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in style, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan at DHL Stadium on Tuesday night.

This triumph not only solidified their position at the top of the group but also marked a significant milestone for the team.

This is the first time since the 2015 AFCON qualifiers under coach Shakes Mashaba that Bafana Bafana has finished a qualifying campaign on top of the group along with 14 points, their best. Moreover, it’s the first time since 2019, under Stuart Baxter, that the team has completed an undefeated qualifying campaign.

Bafana Bafana’s home record in AFCON qualifiers remains impressive, with an unbeaten streak of 20 matches dating back to 2007. Despite having already secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, coach Hugo Broos fielded a strong lineup, including captain Ronwen Williams.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was making his 50th appearance for the national team, 10 years after his debut in March 2014.  

Patrick Maswanganyi was also given start to stake his claim in the advance areas as replacement for injured Themba Zwane.   

It did not take long to see Bafana Bafana scored the first goal. Oswin Appollis left South Sudan chasing shadows and squared for Iqraam Rayners to finish off in the empty net in the seventh minute. 

It was 2-0 in the 23^rd minute as Bathusi Aubaas’ shot was spilled by South Sudan’s goalkeeper Majak Maling Mawith and Maswanganyi took full advantage to nutmegged him on the floor and finish it off into the empty.  

South Sudan was left shell-shocked but it was never surprising as they were all over the place in this game. 

Bafana also had another chance to make it three when Rayners should have scored a third in the 30^th minute after he was spotted sprinting by Appollis, but Mawith came off his line to make a telling block.  

Bafana continued to camp in South Sudan’s half. 

When South Sudan got the break attack, Paulino Juma had a sight on goal but the angle was acute and flashed his shot wide.   

A third goal came in the second half when Khuliso Mudau was brought down from the off-the-ball incident and Teboho Mokoena slotted the penalty in the 51^st minute.   

Bafana Bafana continued to knock the ball around and South Sudan did not concede men forward to press the South Africans as they were thoroughly defeated by the comfortable South African side that appear to be growing each and every game under coach Broos. Bafana had chances later on the game, but Rayners failed to score the fourth from close range.   

As Bafana Bafana close off the year with this win, it was a successive 2024 as they claimed the bronze medal in the delayed 2023 AFCON that took place in Ivory Coast early this year. Bafana Bafana’s next match will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March next year.