Bafana Bafana made it back-to-back wins in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after thrashing Congo-Brazzaville 5-0 on Friday night.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
Result: South Africa 5-0 Congo
Date: 11 October 2024
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Bafana made four changes from their narrow win over South Sudan, as goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams returned alongside Grant Kekana, Bathusi Aubaas and Elias Mokwana.
Hugo Broos' charges had a quick start as Teboho Mokoena gave them the lead within the first 12 minutes with a downward header towards the bottom post after a corner by Oswin Appollis.
As Congo looked to respond and ventured forward, South Africa were also aggressive on their attacks, as just before the half-hour mark, Mokoena doubled their lead and got his brace with a rocket of a half-volley in the box that found the tip corner.
Moments later, the game was temporarily halted by the referee after spectators invaded the pitch during the goal celebrations.
After a brief stoppage, the game resumed with 28 minutes on the clock and nine minutes later Aubaas made it 3-0 for Bafana with another header in the box towards the bottom corner after a corner-kick by Appollis.
The hosts took their foot off the pedal and nearly conceded on the stroke of half-time after Mons Bassouamina had a free-header at the back post that missed narrowly wide.
South Africa settled the quickest from the break, as seven minutes later Lyle Foster made it 4-0 with a tap-in after a square pass by Mokwana, that evaded goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi, who had committed off his line.
South Africa threatened to run riot but their momentum going forward came at a cost just after the hour-mark, after Foster collided with Mafoumbi in a sliding challenge and he was replaced by Iqraam Rayners.
The Leopards tried to play out from the back with 11 minutes to go but they were punished after Mafoumbi kicked a ball straight at Rayners, who made it 5-0 for Bafana with a strike into an open net.
Congo threatened to get a consolation goal in the dying minutes but they were denied by Williams.
Broos' troops clocked seven points in Group K, four points ahead of the Leopards and equal on points with Uganda.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Dortley, Modiba, Aubaas, Mokoena, Appollis, Zwane, Foster, Mokwana
Subs: Chaine, Goss, Mobbie, Basadien, Le Roux, Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Kwayiba, Rayners, Sibisi, Sesane, Morena
