Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without kicking a ball following Congo’s 3-2 loss away to South Sudan on Thursday.
South Africa were looking for two points from their remaining two games against Uganda and South Sudan to seal their qualification as they headed into this month’s qualifiers with eight points, two behind Uganda, and four ahead of Congo.
However, with Congo losing to South Sudan, it means they cannot catch Bafana Bafana even if they win their remaining match against Uganda, handing South Africa an easy ticket to next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana now looking to top Group K
It is back-to-back qualification for Hugo Broos’ men for the continental tournament and they will now play their match in Kampala in a more relaxed mood.
South Africa arrived in Kampala on Thursday afternoon ahead of the match that will be played at the Mandela National Stadium, popularly known as Namboole, with Uganda now also qualified for the tournament.
Both teams will now be looking to top Group K with South Africa needing to better Uganda’s results to finish top of the pool.
In Juba, Congo got off to a good start when two-goal hero Christopher Ibayi gave them a 26th minute lead but Ebon Ezibon levelled matters for South Sudan five minutes later.
How did Congo help South Africa qualify?
Ibayi would complete his brace just four minutes after but Ezibon was on hand again to rescue South Sudan with the equaliser and his second on the day on the stroke of halftime.
With the scores headed for 2-2 and still in favour of South Africa, Congo received a blow when Bryan Passi was sent off 12 minutes from time, and the hosts used the numerical advantage to secure maximum points, Data Elly completing the turnaround in the 84th minute.
With the win, Uganda and South Africa have now qualified for AFCON 2025 while Congo are third in the group on four points, one ahead of South Sudan.
Congo and South Sudan have one match left while South Africa and Uganda have two to play. Bafana Bafana will host South Sudan in Cape Town on Tuesday.
