Bafana Bafana stage a thrilling comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw against Uganda in a tense AFCON qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
By Sello Masilo
In a dramatic turn of events during a nerve-racking 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Friday night, Bafana Bafana managed to claw back from two goals down to secure a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Uganda. The match was a thrilling display of resilience, with South Africa’s national team demonstrating their fighting spirit when debutant Thalente Mbatha scored a dramatic equaliser deep into the referee’s optional time, denying Uganda what could have been a historic victory.
First Half Dominance
Bafana Bafana started the match strongly, dictating play and showing clear intent from the opening whistle. Hugo Broos’ men took control of the game in the early stages, and it wasn’t long before they found the back of the net. In the 14th minute, Lyle Foster broke the deadlock with a well-timed finish, beating Uganda’s goalkeeper Rashid Watenga to give South Africa an early lead. The goal was a testament to Bafana’s dominance in the first half, with Foster capitalising on an opportunity that stemmed from their relentless pressure.
Throughout the first half, man of the match Oswin Appollis was instrumental in driving South Africa’s attacks, tormenting the Ugandan defence with his pace and skill. Appollis’ performance stood out, as he frequently found himself at the centre of the action, leading the Ugandan backline on a wild chase. Despite several promising chances, Bafana Bafana were unable to extend their lead, leaving the score at 1-0 going into the halftime break.
Uganda’s Stunning Comeback
The second half, however, took an unexpected turn. Uganda came out of the dressing room with renewed energy and caught the Bafana Bafana defence off guard with two quick goals. The first came from Denis Omedi, who found the net in the 52nd minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Omedi’s goal shifted the momentum, and Uganda’s confidence visibly grew as they pushed forward in search of a second.
Just minutes later, Uganda struck again, this time through Rogers Mato in the 59th minute. Mato’s goal sent shockwaves through Orlando Stadium, as the Ugandan side silenced the South African crowd with a clinical finish. The two goals stunned Bafana Bafana, who had been in control of the match up to that point. The sudden turn of events left South Africa chasing the game, with the crowd growing tense as the clock ticked down.
Mbatha’s Heroics in Added Time
As the match wore on, tension mounted inside Orlando Stadium. Bafana Bafana pushed forward relentlessly in search of an equaliser, but Uganda held firm, frustrating the home side with their defensive resolve. With the game moving into the referee’s optional time, it seemed that Uganda was on the verge of a famous victory on South African soil.
However, debutant Thalente Mbatha had other ideas. The young Bafana Bafana forward, making his first appearance for the national team, delivered a moment of magic in the dying seconds of the game. Deep into injury time, Mbatha latched onto a loose ball inside the box and slotted it home, sending the Orlando Stadium crowd into raptures. The last-gasp goal not only salvaged a point for Bafana Bafana but also provided a dramatic end to a pulsating encounter.
Mbatha’s equaliser was a moment of individual brilliance and demonstrated the youngster’s composure under pressure. For a debutant to score such an important goal speaks volumes about his potential, and he will surely be one to watch in future fixtures.
Coach Hugo Broos Reflects on the Result
After the match, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos expressed mixed feelings about the result. While he praised his team’s resilience and fighting spirit, he was also critical of their inability to kill the game off in the first half when they were in complete control.
“We dominated the first half, and we should have scored more goals. We allowed Uganda back into the game with two defensive errors, and that cost us. But credit to the boys for not giving up. Mbatha’s goal shows the spirit we have in this team,” said Broos.
Broos acknowledged that there is still work to be done ahead of their next AFCON qualifier against South Sudan but remained optimistic about his team’s prospects moving forward.
The Road Ahead for Bafana Bafana
Following this dramatic draw, Bafana Bafana will now shift their focus to their next AFCON qualifier against South Sudan, set to take place on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. The South African team will travel to Juba, where they will face a determined South Sudan side in what is expected to be another challenging encounter.
With Bafana Bafana currently sitting second in their AFCON qualifying group, the match against South Sudan will be crucial in determining their path to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. A win would significantly boost their chances of qualification, while another slip-up could complicate their journey to the continental showpiece.
The resilience shown by Bafana Bafana in their draw against Uganda will undoubtedly provide the team with a morale boost as they prepare for the fixture in Juba. However, Broos and his technical team will need to address the defensive lapses that allowed Uganda to score two quick goals if they are to secure a positive result against South Sudan.
Social Media Reactions
As expected, the dramatic nature of the match sparked widespread reaction on social media. Fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on Bafana Bafana’s comeback, with many praising the team for their fighting spirit.
One fan tweeted, “What a game! Bafana Bafana never gave up. Mbatha’s goal was pure magic. We need to tighten up at the back, but this team has heart! #AFCON2025 #BafanaBafana.”
Another user wrote, “That equaliser was a moment to remember! Thalente Mbatha, take a bow! Broos needs to work on our defence, though. We can’t afford to keep conceding like this. #BafanaBafana.”
Several users also heaped praise on Oswin Appollis, with one commenting, “Appollis was unreal tonight! He gave Uganda’s defence nightmares all game. How didn’t we score more in the first half? #AFCON2025.”
Central News Weekly Edition 071 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “Lesufi Leads Tribute to Pandor and Dlamini Zuma for their roles in South Africa’s leberation”
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