Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s senior men’s national football team, is set to face Congo Brazzaville in a decisive return leg for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat, with kick-off at 18:00. This clash comes just days after Bafana’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, which significantly boosted their chances of securing a spot in next year’s continental tournament in Morocco.

In the first leg, Bafana Bafana delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming Congo with a five-goal onslaught. Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring with a brace, finding the net in the 12th and 27th minutes. Bathusi Aubaas extended the lead in the 37th minute, while Lyle Foster added another goal early in the second half. Iqraam Rayners, coming off the bench, sealed the 5-0 win with a goal in the 78th minute, rounding off a memorable night for the home side.

One of the highlights of that night was Themba Zwane’s milestone appearance. The Tembisa-born midfielder earned his 50th cap for South Africa during the match, a testament to his consistency and impact on the team. Zwane made his Bafana Bafana debut in 2014, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Australia in a friendly match at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Now 35, Zwane is regarded as one of the country’s finest midfielders and remains a key player under head coach Hugo Broos.

Heading into the return leg, the South African side is full of confidence but remains aware of the challenges that await them in Congo. Coach Hugo Broos has emphasized the need for his team to stay focused and not dwell on the previous victory. “We must forget about the 5-0 result and approach this game as a new challenge,” Broos commented, knowing well that playing in Congo could pose a different set of difficulties.

Bafana Bafana currently sits in second place in Group K, tied with Uganda on seven points. Both teams have a four-point cushion over Congo, who occupy third place. With South Sudan at the bottom of the group, the South African squad is just one win away from booking their ticket to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON. A positive result in Brazzaville would ensure their qualification, taking pressure off their final group match.

Traveling to central Africa, however, comes with its own set of challenges. The memories of the infamous 1997 trip to Congo still linger for many South African fans. During that World Cup qualifier, Bafana’s Mark Fish suffered a severe injury after being elbowed in the first half, highlighting the physical and often hostile nature of playing in such environments. Broos and his team are prepared for the difficult conditions, hoping to avoid a repeat of those challenges.

Despite these concerns, Bafana will be buoyed by their recent form. The team has shown a growing sense of cohesion and attacking prowess, evident in their first-leg victory. Players like Mokoena and Foster have been instrumental in their journey so far, and they will be key to overcoming Congo’s defense in the return leg. Broos’s tactical adjustments have also paid off, making Bafana a more formidable force in the qualifiers.

The return leg against Congo is not just about securing three points; it’s about proving that Bafana can perform under pressure, even away from home. With the stakes high, the South African team is determined to deliver a result that will cement their place among Africa’s elite at the upcoming AFCON tournament. 

Beyond Bafana’s match, the AFCON qualifiers on Tuesday are filled with critical fixtures that could shape the road to Morocco. Uganda, who shares the top spot in Group K with South Africa, will face South Sudan. Meanwhile, other notable matches include Sudan taking on Ghana, Malawi hosting Senegal, and Nigeria going head-to-head with Libya. All these games will play a crucial role in determining which nations secure their spots in the next phase of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.

For Bafana Bafana, the focus is singular: securing victory in Brazzaville. A win would not only solidify their qualification status but also send a strong message to other potential AFCON contenders. The team’s preparation has been thorough, with Broos ensuring that his players are mentally and physically ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

As the countdown to kick-off begins, fans back home are hopeful that Bafana can replicate their dominant form from the first leg. The 5-0 win in Gqeberha may have provided a comfortable cushion, but the mission in Congo is to finish what they started and return home with the qualification sealed.

With the support of the nation behind them and a squad eager to make their mark, Bafana Bafana is on the brink of securing their place at the AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The upcoming match against Congo is more than just a qualifier; it’s an opportunity to prove their resilience and demonstrate their readiness for the challenges that await on the continental stage.

A victory in Brazzaville would not only boost the team’s morale but also serve as a statement of intent ahead of the tournament in Morocco. For the players, the chance to compete on such a stage is the culmination of their hard work, and they are ready to rise to the occasion. As the final whistle approaches, all eyes will be on the South African side, hoping for a performance that will propel them to glory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.