After an impressive 5-0 victory over Congo-Brazzaville in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Bafana Bafana faces an important rematch.
Coach Hugo Broos and his squad received a clear warning: the next game will be crucial for both teams.
The stakes were high for the Red Devils in this second leg of the qualifier.
They understood that a loss would mean elimination, putting even more pressure on their performance.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping Congo’s hopes alive and allowing them a chance to surpass Bafana Bafana in the standings.
Despite this, bookmakers still view South Africa as the likely favorites to progress.
Congo’s Optimism for the Rematch
Congo’s head coach, Isaac Ngata, expressed a surprising level of optimism despite the heavy loss.
In an interview with SABC Sport, he reflected on the team’s preparation, saying, “I was confident our players would perform well, but I was taken aback by their mindset. I’m hopeful that the next match will yield different results.”
Ngata acknowledged South Africa’s superiority in many aspects of the game but remained determined to turn things around.
“We are aware that South Africa is a strong team, but what we showed on the field was not what we anticipated,” he noted.
He emphasized the need for a shift in mentality and physical preparation for their next encounter.
The Importance of Mentality and Preparation
Addressing his players, Ngata stressed the significance of mental toughness.
“It’s not just about arriving on time; when you step onto the field, you must be ready to fight like soldiers.
Our preparation was solid, but we lost not because of tactics but due to our mentality. The spirit we displayed wasn’t what we expected,” he explained.
He also reminded his team about the importance of playing at home, highlighting the role of their fans.
“We’ve played against big teams and in front of large crowds before. This time, we’ll have the support of our home fans, and it’s vital that we play to make them proud,” he said.
What’s Ahead for Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana has some crucial matches lined up in the coming weeks:
- Uganda vs. South Africa (Nov 11, AFCON qualifiers)
- South Africa vs. South Sudan (Nov 19, AFCON qualifiers)
- South Africa vs. Lesotho (Mar 17, World Cup qualifiers)
With these fixtures ahead, the pressure is on for Bafana Bafana to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the tournament.
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