Welcome to our live coverage of the latest Bafana Bafana news, keeping you updated on all the developments leading up to AFCON 2023.
In this brief, we will delve into the most recent updates and insights surrounding the South African national football team, providing you with a real-time glimpse into their preparations, strategies, and noteworthy events as they gear up for the upcoming tournament.
Contents
- 1 ‘I think we lose the game in two facts' – Hugo Broos
- 2 Bafana Bafana's AFCON quest stumbles in defeat to Mali
- 3 Bafana Bafana news: AFCON 2023 final squad
- 4 Bafana Bafana news: Injury blow for Bafana Bafana
- 5 Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Masango envisions Bafana Bafana success fueled by Mamelodi Sundowns' continental prowess
- 6 Bafana Bafana news: Training camp and clash with Lesotho set the stage for AFCON departure
- 7 Bafana Bafana have landed in Ivory Coast
Get ready for an immersive experience as we unfold the unfolding narratives and narratives in the world of African football.
‘I think we lose the game in two facts' – Hugo Broos
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos offered insights into the decision-making process behind selecting Percy Tau as the penalty taker instead of Teboho Mokoena.
Broos explained, “There are three guys for the game, it was Aubrey [Modiba], Mokoena, and Percy. And they decide on the pitch. It’s not up to me, the one who feels best has to take the penalty.”
He acknowledged the pivotal moment of missing the penalty, identifying it as one of the factors contributing to the team's loss.
“I think we lose the game in two facts, first is missing the penalty. Secondly is the physical power, especially in the second half of Mali.”
Broos also pointed out the physical prowess of Mali, particularly in the second half, as a crucial aspect that impacted the game.
“Today we did not have enough strength in all things (sic). We saw the physical power of Mali. They pushed, they kicked, they did everything and we did not have an answer because we don’t have that kind of player – not just in front but everywhere,” he explained.
Despite a commendable performance by South Africa, the absence of adequate strength and a response to Mali's physicality became evident, ultimately influencing the outcome of the match.
Bafana Bafana's AFCON quest stumbles in defeat to Mali
In a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener, South Africa's Bafana Bafana faced a formidable challenge against Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday night.
The clash marked the commencement of Bafana Bafana's pursuit of continental glory.
Despite early opportunities and a dramatic penalty decision, the night ended in disappointment as Mali secured a 2-0 victory.
Percy Tau's missed penalty in the first half proved to be a pivotal moment, costing Hugo Broos' side crucial points.
Mali's six-minute scoring precision in the early second half condemned the 1996 champions to the bottom of the group, emphasizing the hurdles Bafana Bafana must overcome in their AFCON campaign.
Bafana Bafana news: AFCON 2023 final squad
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Terrence Mashego (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)
Midfielders: Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/POR)
Forwards: Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol/CYP), Percy Tau (Al Ahly/EGY), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Standby: Sibongiseni Mthethwa (midfielder – Kaizer Chiefs), Elias Mokwana (forward – Sekhukhune United) and Tapelo Xoki (defender – Orlando Pirates).
Bafana Bafana news: Injury blow for Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana faces a setback as the fitness of 29-year-old Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, hangs in the balance ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The player incurred a “freak” knee injury during training with his club, prompting concerns about his availability for the tournament set to commence in the Ivory Coast on January 13.
Mthethwa, named in Hugo Broos' 50-man preliminary squad, will also be sidelined for the DStv Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United this Saturday.
Interim coach Cavin Johnson disclosed the unfortunate news, leaving fans anxious about the influential midfielder's potential absence from the crucial AFCON campaign.
Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Masango envisions Bafana Bafana success fueled by Mamelodi Sundowns' continental prowess
In the latest Bafana Bafana news, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Mandla Masango, lends his insights into South Africa's Africa Cup of Nations prospects, shedding light on how the wealth of continental experience within Mamelodi Sundowns' ranks can be a game-changer for Bafana Bafana.
As South Africa coach Hugo Broos unveils his 50-man provisional squad for the imminent Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast (scheduled from January 13 to February 11), Masango highlights the significant presence of 11 Sundowns players, including national team captain Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, Gerant Kekana, and Mothobi Mvala.
Masandawana's dominance in the Caf Champions League and the African Football League positions them as a formidable force, and Masango believes that the Sundowns contingent can infuse invaluable experience into the Bafana Bafana setup, potentially paving the way for success on the continental stage.
Bafana Bafana news: Training camp and clash with Lesotho set the stage for AFCON departure
In anticipation of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa's national football team, under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, is set to embark on a comprehensive training regime.
The squad is slated to convene on January 4, 2024, before heading to Stellenbosch for an intensive training camp in the picturesque Western Cape city, lasting until January 9, 2024.
As part of their preparation, Bafana Bafana will engage in a closed-door training match against Lesotho at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on an undisclosed date.
This strategic fixture aims to fine-tune the team's dynamics and strategies in a controlled environment.
Subsequently, on January 11, 2024, the squad will bid farewell to South Africa as they embark on their journey to Ivory Coast, where the AFCON spectacle awaits.
The meticulous planning reflects the team's commitment to peak performance and cohesion as they gear up for the much anticipated continental football tournament.
Bafana Bafana have landed in Ivory Coast
In the latest Bafana Bafana news, the team have arrived Ivory Coast on Thursday. After landing in Abidjan, the South Africa delegation boarded another plane to Korhogo where they will lodge in their hotel.
Touch down in Abidjan! Catching the next flight to Korhogo. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #AFCON2023 #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/Mr9LGJpVMF
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 11, 2024
On Friday, Bafana Bafana will have their first training session in Korhogo ahead of their opening Group E match against The Eagles of Mali which comes up January 16th.
It's important to point out that South Africa will be playing all their group stage matches at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo.
This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago
