AFCON 2023: Zwane Powers Bafana Bafana Past Namibia to Wrestle Back Momentum in Group E

• Themba Zwane scored two first-half crackers to dismiss South Africa's neighbours
• Percy Tau erased memories of his Mali miss by stepping up to take an early penalty
• Bafana Bafana are now well-placed to secure progression in AFCON 2023's Group E

South Africa's AFCON 2023 campaign is back on track.

An easier-than-expected win against Namibia has seen them earn their first three points and they should need just a point against Tunisia to reach the Round of 16.

The defeat will be a punch in the gut for Namibia, who came into the game with confidence and bravado, but little went right for the underdogs.

The game was scrappy for the most part, resembling a DStv Premiership league match for its direct and open flow.

Namibia had the better of the opening 10 minutes and they will be wondering how Peter Shalulile failed to score with the freedom in Korhogo after dispossessing Grant Kekana in the penalty area.

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The VAR gifted South Africa a penalty shortly after Shalulile's miss. Percy Tau bravely stepped up to earn redemption, smashing it low to the keeper's left to make up for his miss against Mali.

By the 25th minute, the Brave Warriors had wasted four clear chances and were made to pay again. Thapelo Morena was left wide open down the right and he pulled the ball back into space, where Themba Zwane was unmarked, to smash home the second.

Neither team were asserting dominance in midfield, with both using direct long passes to find their frontmen.

Zwane ended the contest before half-time, dancing around Ryan Nyambe who overcommitted, before coolly curling his finish just inside the far post.

South Africa's substitute, Thapelo Maseko added the fourth, running onto a long ball to drive home through an ineffectual Lloyd Kazapua.

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Fans react to Tunisia and Mali draw

Sports Brief also previously reported on the reaction of South African fans to the draw between Mali and Tunisia.

Mali edged closer to progression, but the result could have serious implications for Tunisia's Round of 16 hopes.

South Africa's win against Namibia leaves the North Africans needing a victory against Bafana Bafana to advance.