Bonang Matheba Laments Bafana Bafana's Absence at AFCON 2021, Speaks for Annoyed Fans

• Bonang Matheba articulated the feelings of Bafana Bafana supporters while watching the 2021 African Cup of Nations unfold in Cameroon
• South Africa failed to qualify for the continental showpiece event, one of five instances they have done so
• Some of her five million followers were just as sad, annoyed that they had to support other teams and also criticising the country's football leadership

Media mogul Bonang Matheba expressed sadness at Bafana Bafana watching the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon from home, encapsulating the disappointment everyone else feels right now.

South Africa was drawn in an awkward Group C in the qualification phase of the tournament, needing to negotiate past Ghana, Sudan and Sao Tome and Principe to book a ticket to West Africa.

However, they finished in third position, having to watch on as Ghana and Sudan waltzed into the showpiece event at their expense, as reported on Goal.com. It was the fifth time since South Africa's return to international football in 1992 that it had failed to qualify for the tournament.

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Football

Matheba said in a tweet to her five million followers:

"…our boys should be at AFCON. I’m so sad."

The responses were swift and varied, as expected.

@erick_ponie said:

"Since 1996... we are a free-falling football nation and our leaders are doing nothing. We need younger football administrators and leaders at SAFA... players that have played at the highest level of football. Look at Cameron... they appointed Samuel Eto'o..."

@Sthugen said:

"Now we have to support everyone who plays against Ghana!"

@KgaoMalatji said:

"They were coached by these choir conductors posing as football coaches . What were you expecting?"

Mzansi Praises the Super Eagles after impressive win over the Pharaohs of Egypt

Swallowing their pride and setting an ancient rivalry aside, South Africans were impressed with the controlled and rather comfortable win for Nigeria over an imposing Egypt team.

As reported on Sports Brief, Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho's beautiful strike in the 30th minute was the difference between the sides in the group D opener.

There can be no question about how well in control the Super Eagles were, encapsulated by how they neutralised the otherwise usually deadly Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.