International Friendly Match Report: Bafana Bafana Squeaks Past Botswana at Empty Soccer City

International Friendly Match Report: Bafana Bafana Squeaks Past Botswana at Empty Soccer City

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:12 PM
  • South Africa defeated Botswana 1-0 in front of an empty Soccer City in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening
  • Bafana Bafana's solitary goal came through a classy free-kick by Teboho Mokoena
  • The victory ensured that Hugo Broos' men won their second match in a row during the FIFA break

South Africa appears to be on the up again on the international football pitch.

Bafana Bafana defeated Botswana 1-0 in front of what was once again an empty Soccer City in Johannesburg.

bafana bafana, south africa, botswana, zebras, soccer city
South Africa had to struggle past a difficult Botswana side at an empty Soccer City. Image source: @iDiskiTimes.
Source: Twitter

The home side's solitary goal came from a stupendous free-kick by Teboho Mokoena in the 38th minute. The victory was far from easy for Hugo Broos' men, as the Zebras proved to be a competitive opponent.

The result completed what was a very successful FIFA international break for Bafana. The team also hammered Sierra Leone 4-0 last Saturday, which had snapped a four-match winless streak.

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The 70-year-old Broos had openly stated that he wanted his team to build its confidence with what he termed "easier" opponents after a bad run. South Africa's next fixture is against Liberia in March next year ahead in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Starting: Mothwa, Msani, De Reuck, Xulu, Mudau, Mthethwa, Mokoena, Mosele, Mmodi, Du Preez, Mayo.

Subs: Buthelezi, Williams, Mobbie, Sibisi, Maela, Modiba, Sithole, Le Roux, Sekgota, Zwane, Mayambela, Lepasa.

Sierra Leone coach John Keister blames visa delay issue for thumping by Bafana Bafana

Sierra Leone coach John Keister has explained why his team was hammered by South Africa on Saturday.

Bafana Bafana hammered the Leone Stars 4-0 at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Keister said:

“[I'm] Just disappointed with the performance, but whenever you go, you have to prepare for it and we can’t be coming against one of the better teams in the continent and not prepare at all and not have a single preparation.
“I had players coming from their clubs staying in hotels overseas waiting for visas to get here so we can start preparing. I had to leave Freetown (Sierra Leone's capital) to come to SA because I have a British passport, otherwise I would not be here."
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Keba Mothoagae
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South AfricaSouth Africa Football Association (SAFA)