Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane underwent scans in Brazzaville on Wednesday to determine the extent of an injury sustained during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.

Zwane was forced off five minutes before halftime in South Africa’s match against Congo, with coach Hugo Broos replacing him with Patrick Maswanganyi. The team’s performance noticeably declined after Zwane’s departure, as they struggled to break down Congo’s defense.

Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw, despite taking an early lead through Elias Mokwana.

Team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi revealed that Zwane would be ready to return to South Africa once the scans were completed. “Our Chief Medical Officer at SAFA, Dr Thulani Ngwenya, has been in constant communication with Themba’s club Mamelodi Sundowns, and has kept their medical team appraised every step of the way. Upon arrival back home in South Africa, all the necessary processes will be made available for Themba,” Dr Molobi said.

Broos predicted that Zwane, who celebrated his 50th cap against the very same Congo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday, would be out for an extended period due to the injury, potentially missing the upcoming qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan in November.

Bafana Bafana, currently second in Group K with eight points, needs just one win in those two matches to secure their place in the AFCON finals.

The team will return to South Africa later on Wednesday.