Bafana Bafana

By Sello Masilo

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, delivered a strong performance on Saturday, 15 November 2025, defeating Zambia 3-1 in an international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. The match served as key preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco. With goals from Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole, the hosts dominated much of the game, extending their unbeaten run and boosting confidence ahead of the continental tournament. Zambia managed a late consolation goal but could not mount a comeback against a solid Bafana side.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone for Bafana

The game kicked off with Bafana Bafana controlling possession from the start, holding 62% of the ball in the opening half. Early chances came thick and fast for the hosts. In the second minute, Khuliso Mudau delivered a cross that found Sipho Mbule, whose shot flew over the bar. Teboho Mokoena, earning his 50th cap for South Africa, tested Zambia’s goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata with a free-kick in the eighth minute, but it lacked power.

Zambia, known as the Chipolopolo, tried to counter through players like Fashion Sakala, who caused problems on the left wing. Sakala beat defenders multiple times, but Bafana’s defence, led by Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mudau, held firm with crucial tackles. A yellow card was shown to Zambia’s Kabaso Chongo in the sixth minute for a foul on Mbule.

As the half progressed, Bafana created more opportunities. Lyle Foster fired over from outside the box in the 27th minute, and Appollis went close with a long-range effort on the half-hour mark, forcing a save from Nsabata. The breakthrough came just before halftime in the 43rd minute when Sithole’s defence-splitting pass found Appollis on the edge of the box. The Polokwane City winger slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving South Africa a deserved 1-0 lead at the break. Zambia failed to register a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

Second-Half Goals Seal the Win for South Africa

Hugo Broos made changes at halftime, bringing on Mohau Nkota for Appollis, Thalente Mbatha for Mokoena, and Sipho Chaine for captain Ronwen Williams in goal. Zambia also substituted, with Daniel Simukonda replacing Given Siame. The visitors started the second half brighter, with Sakala firing over from a tight angle in the 52nd minute and earning a corner that Sibisi cleared.

However, Bafana soon regained control. In the 61st minute, Nkota doubled the lead with a stunning curled shot from outside the box, assisted by Mbule after the Orlando Pirates forward cut inside. Just seven minutes later, in the 68th minute, Sithole made it 3-0, rising highest to head home a pinpoint corner from Nkota.

Zambia pushed forward late on, with substitutions including Hachimenza, Kennedy Musonda, and Mangani Banda. Their efforts paid off in stoppage time when Joseph Sabobo scored a consolation goal in the 90+3rd minute with a right-footed shot from close range following a counterattack. Despite the late strike, Bafana held on for a comfortable 3-1 victory.

Team Line-Ups and Substitutions

South Africa Starting XI: Ronwen Williams (capt, GK), Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Samukelo Kabini, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster.

Substitutes Used: Mohau Nkota (for Appollis, 46’), Thalente Mbatha (for Mokoena, 46’), Sipho Chaine (for Williams, 46’), Khu Ndamane (for Mbokazi, 51’), Evidence Makgopa (for Foster, 65’), Tholo Matuludi (for Mudau, 76’).

Unused Substitutes: Ricardo Goss, Aubrey Modiba, Keagan Makgalwa, Bathusi Aubaas, Thabang Moloisane, Sibusiso Nemtajela.

Zambia Starting XI: Toaster Nsabata (GK), Obino Chisala, Kabaso Chongo, Chenngu Kabaso, Benson Sakala, Miguel Chaiwa, Lubabo Musonda (capt), Gift Siame, Given Kalusa, Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala.

Substitutes Used: Daniel Simukonda (for Siame, 46’), Hachimenza, Mangani Banda, Kennedy Musonda (for Chisala, Musonda, Kalusa, 70’), Jack Lahene (for Daka, 83’).

Unused Substitutes: Francis Mwansa, Pascal Phiri, Hamansenya, Kanguluma, Joseph Sabobo, Given Kalusa (wait, some overlap; Joseph Sabobo likely subbed in late).

Yellow cards were issued to Kabaso Chongo (Zambia, 6’) and Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa, 60’).

Broos’ Side Builds Momentum Ahead of AFCON

Under coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have now gone six matches unbeaten, with two wins and three draws in their last five outings, plus a recent 3-0 victory over Rwanda. This win over Zambia provides a confidence boost as they gear up for AFCON, where they aim to improve on their semi-final finish in the last edition.

Tshepang Moremi made his first start for the national team, impressing on the wing, while Nkota’s stunning goal highlighted his potential. Zambia, on the other hand, have struggled recently, with just one win in their last five games and three straight losses before a 1-0 victory over Tanzania.

Historically, South Africa lead Zambia in friendlies with four wins, two draws, and two losses, though Zambia had won three of the last five meetings before this match. Bafana’s ability to turn possession into goals and defend stoutly will be key as

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