Bafana Bafana secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in their Group A clash at the 2025 COSAFA Cup on Saturday, revitalizing their campaign after an initial setback.
The match, held at Toyota Stadium, saw AmaZulu’s Kwanda Mngonyama proudly captaining the national side.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Kabelo Dlamini opened the scoring with a coolly converted penalty in the 39th minute. This came after Masindi Nemtajela was fouled in the box, breaking the deadlock and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Bafana contingent.
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From the whistle, Bafana Bafana displayed a renewed vigor, dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities. Coach Vela Khumalo had made strategic changes to the lineup after the 1-0 loss to Mozambique, bringing in key players like Siyanda Msani, Kwanda Mngonyama, Masindi Nemtajela, and Boitumelo Radiopane. These fresh faces clearly injected energy into the squad.
“We wanted to respond with intent, and the boys showed character,” Khumalo stated in an X update from the South African Football Association, acknowledging his team’s improved performance.
Despite the early pressure, Nemtajela missed two golden opportunities in the 13th and 15th minutes, firing wide.
Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Martin Mapisa, was a busy man in the opening exchanges, denying Radiopane’s curling effort and Dlamini’s powerful strike within the first 20 minutes. Mapisa also produced a stunning save just before halftime to thwart Siphesihle Mkhize, who nearly doubled Bafana’s lead.
The momentum carried into the second half, with Nemtajela again narrowly missing the target in the 50th minute. The pressure continued to mount on the Zimbabwean defense, and Bafana’s persistence eventually paid off in the 78th minute.
A perfectly delivered set-piece from Gape Moralo found Sekhukhune United defender Ime Okon, who rose majestically to power home a commanding header, sealing the 2-0 victory.
“We showed resilience and took our chances when it mattered,” Okon told reporters, a sentiment echoed by fans online who praised Dlamini’s “ice-cold penalty” and Okon’s “commanding header.”
This vital win propelled Bafana Bafana to second place in Group A with three points, just one point behind leaders Mozambique.
With only the top team from each group advancing to the knockout stages, Bafana’s final group match against Mauritius on Tuesday at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium is now a do-or-die encounter. Victory is absolutely essential to keep their COSAFA Cup aspirations alive.