By Mark Ogagan
South Africa secured an impressive 3-0 win against South Sudan at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday evening, and somewhat, effortlessly, booked their ticket to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament scheduled for Morocco
This victory put South Africa at the top of their Group K group rankings, as they ended the campaign unbeaten in six matches.
This match was a dead rubber, as South Africa had already booked their spot in the continental tournament, while South Sudan was already eliminated . For South Africa, however, it was about maintaining momentum and asserting their dominance.
South Africa wasted no time imposing themselves. In the 7th minute, Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring with a clinical side-foot finish after Appollis provided a perfectly timed square pass. The early goal set the tone, as Bafana Bafana took control of possession and dictated play.
South Sudan struggled to find a foothold in the game, with their only notable first-half chance coming in the 43rd minute when Juma fired a shot wide after being given space.
Bafana doubled their lead in the 23rd minute through Patrick Maswanganyi, who capitalized on a fumble by South Sudan’s goalkeeper Mawith to tap the ball into an empty net. By halftime, South Africa’s 2-0 lead reflected their dominance, with the home side enjoying more possession, more shots, and better composure.
The second half resumed with South Africa showing no signs of slowing down. In the 51st minute, Teboho Mokoena stepped up to take a penalty after Mudau was brought down in the box. Mokoena confidently blasted the ball into the net, extending Bafana’s lead to 3-0.
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