Lyle Foster nets as Bafana Bafana beat DR Congo in friendly

Lyle Foster in action for Bafana Bafana — Credit: Icon Sport

Bafana Bafana of South Africa locked horns with the Leopards of DR Congo at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Disappointed by their goalless draw with Namibia days ago, South Africa made amends as a first-half goal from Lyle Foster was enough for Broos' team to defeat DR Congo.

FT Score… pic.twitter.com/lYw5JHaMe3

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 12, 2023

The win ensured that Bafana Bafana remained unbeaten under Broos as the team continued preparation for next year's AFCON tournament.

Let's delve into how it all unfolded!

Lyle Foster sent Bafana Bafana ahead at Halftime

Hugo Broos tweaked his team a lot from the last starting XI that squared off against Namibia last time out.

Hot striker Lepasa returned to the lineup along with Mayambela and CAF Champions League winner Percy Tau who captained the team, Foster also started.

The match began brightly for Bafana Bafana who were eager to correct their disappointing draw with the Brave Warriors of Namibia last time, and were really close to taking the lead early on but Tau slammed his shot out wide.

Moments later, Dr Congo had a good chance to open the scoring as Yaone Wissa picked up a loose ball around the halfway line but shot off target.

However, 20 minutes before the break, Hugo Broos' side opened the scoring through Lyle Foster who picked up a loose ball around the box and shot from close range and into the back of the net to give South Africa the lead!

Bafana Bafana players, Foster and Saleng — Credit: Icon Sport

The Leopards tried to rally back almost immediately to get back into the contest, but Bafana Bafana held their ground and played with confidence as they headed into the break on top of things.

A second half that saw no further goals

The second half started in frenetic fashion from the Leopards who wanted to get back on level terms with Bafana Bafana.

A Percy Tau free kick narrowly went over the bar as the hosts tried to double their lead.

In bid to inject more energy and peg back DR Congo, Broos introduced French-based forward Mothiba midway through the half but failed to assert more pressure on the visitors.

Congo continued to threaten Bafana Bafana as they succeeded in overloading the midfield and the flanks, to force Bafana Bafana to defend deeply.

The Leopards tried all they could but found no breakthrough as Broos' side held out their slim lead into perfection to emerge victorious at full-time.