Bafana Bafana outclass Zambia to boost AFCON 2025 Preparations

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Bafana Bafana outclass Zambia to boost AFCON 2025 Preparations
Image - SAFA

South Africa warmed up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Zambia in an international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole gave Hugo Broos’ side a timely confidence boost ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco, which kicks off in just over five weeks.

Dominant Display and Early Drama

Bafana Bafana controlled possession and territory from the outset, forcing Zambia onto the back foot. The visitors were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men inside seven minutes when Chongo Kabaso escaped with only a yellow card for a reckless two-footed challenge on Sipho Mbule.

Despite their dominance, South Africa initially struggled to break down the Chipolopolo defence, with Toaster Nsabata producing a fine save from Mbule’s long-range effort around the half-hour mark. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 43rd minute, when Mbule threaded a superb pass to Oswin Appollis, who cut in from the left and fired a low shot past Nsabata for 1-0.

Impactful Changes and Clinical Finishing

Broos made four changes at halftime, introducing Mohau Nkota, Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha, and Khulumani Ndamane for Appollis, Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Mbekezile Mbokazi respectively. Zambia responded with one substitution, bringing on David Simukonda.

Nkota made an immediate impact, doubling Bafana’s lead in the 62nd minute with a stunning strike. The 21-year-old latched onto a lofted ball from Mbule, cut inside his marker, and curled a shot into the top corner. Six minutes later, Nkota turned provider, delivering an in-swinging corner that Sphephelo Sithole headed home from close range for 3-0.

Late Consolation and Chaine’s Frustration

South Africa looked set for a clean sheet, but Zambia struck back in stoppage time through substitute Joseph Sabobo, capitalizing on a quick counterattack. The goal left goalkeeper Sipho Chaine visibly disappointed, as he had hoped to mark his appearance with a shutout after replacing Williams at halftime.

New Faces and Squad Depth

Broos also handed minutes to Thalente Mbatha and debutant T. Matuludi, who replaced Khuliso Mudau late on. However, new call-ups Nemtajela and Keletso remained unused substitutes as the coach prioritized stability.

Final Score:
South Africa (1) 3 – Appollis 43’, Nkota 62’, Sithole 68’
Zambia (0) 1 – Sabobo 90+2’

Bafana Bafana Line-Up: R. Williams (S. Chaine 46’), K. Mudau (T. Matuludi 76’), M. Mbokazi (K. Ndamane 46’), N. Sibisi, S. Kabini, T. Mokoena (T. Mbatha 46’), S. Sithole, S. Mbule, T. Moremi, O. Appollis (M. Nkota 46’), L. Foster (E. Makgopa 65’)

Zambia Line-Up: T. Nsabata, M. Chaiwa (K. Musonda 79’), O. Chisala (D. Hamansenya 70’), K. Chongo, P. Daka (J. Lahne 83’), G. Kalusa (F. Musonda 70’), G. Mphande, L. Musonda (J. Sabobo 70’), B. Sakala, F. Sakala, G. Siame (D. Simukonda 46’)

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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