Bafana Bafana 1–0 Ghana: Match Report, Stats and Line-Ups
Dobsonville Stadium – International Friendly
South Africa 1–0 Ghana: Ghana Scare Offers Reality Check?
Bafana Bafana signed off their Africa Cup of Nations preparations with a narrow but valuable 1–0 victory over Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, as Hugo Broos’ side bid farewell to home soil before departing for Morocco.
Sipho Mbule’s superb long-range strike just before the hour mark proved decisive in a match that, while dominated for long spells by South Africa, also served as a timely reminder that AFCON will demand sharper edge and greater ruthlessness.
Bright start, familiar frustrations
South Africa set the tempo early, pressing high and pinning the Black Galaxies in their own half. Mbule was at the heart of most attacking moves, pulling strings in midfield and twice going close before the break — first with a header that drifted wide and later with a curling effort that shaved the post.
Despite Bafana’s control, the breakthrough proved elusive in the first half. Ghana, fielding a CHAN-based side, defended with discipline and threatened sporadically on the counter, ensuring the teams went into the interval locked at 0–0.
Mbule magic breaks the deadlock
Broos rang the changes early in the second half, introducing fresh legs and energy, and the pressure soon told. In the 57th minute, Mbule produced a moment of real quality, unleashing a fierce strike from range that flew past Lawrence Osei and into the net — his fifth international goal for South Africa.
The goal lifted the crowd and seemed to settle Bafana, who continued to probe for a second. Appollis, lively after his introduction, delivered a series of dangerous crosses, while Ghana were increasingly forced to defend deep.
Late scares underline AFCON reality
Yet, just as South Africa looked comfortable, Ghana reminded the hosts of the fine margins at international level. Annor struck the post late on after a long ball caught Bafana momentarily napping, before Sipho Chaine was called into action with an acrobatic save in the closing minutes.
It ensured a nervy finish, but Bafana held firm to seal the win — a positive send-off, even if not a flawless one.
The bigger picture
While Ghana arrived with a locally based squad, they offered a competitive, physical challenge and pushed South Africa all the way. For Bafana, the result preserves momentum and confidence, but the performance also carried a clear warning: at AFCON, chances must be taken and concentration must not dip.
Broos will welcome the clean sheet and Mbule’s form, but he will also know that against continental heavyweights in Morocco, control without a cutting edge may not be enough.
Still, a win is a win — and Bafana depart for AFCON with belief intact.
Full-Time Statistics
Goals Attempts: South Africa 8 – 8 Ghana
Shots on Target: South Africa 1 – 3 Ghana
Fouls: South Africa 12 – 14 Ghana
Yellow Cards: South Africa 0 – 0 Ghana
Red Cards: South Africa 0 – 0 Ghana
Offsides: South Africa 1 – 1 Ghana
Corners: South Africa 4 – 4 Ghana
Possession: South Africa 58% – 42% Ghana
Line-ups
South Africa (4-3-3):
Goss; Modiba, Sibisi (C), Ndabane, Matuludi; Aubaas, Mbatha, Mbule; Moremi, Makgopa, Nkota.
Subs: Chaine, Williams, Mokoena, Mofokeng, Kabini, Mbokazi, Appollis, Mokwana, Ngezana, Mudau.
Ghana (Black Galaxies):
Osei; Mamudu, Afful, Simpson (C), Abban; Adams, Dogli, Owusu; Asante, Seidu, Annor.
Subs: Kyei, Osei-Kuffour, Aziz, Amoah, Mohammed, Abban, Mensah, Yeboah, Attah Kumi.
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