South Africa are back in contention to reach the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a 4-0 thrashing of neighbors Namibia on Sunday in their Group E clash. Themba Zwane scored twice, Percy Tau redeemed himself with a penalty kick conversion and Thapelo Maseko completed the decisive victory with a goal in the second half to move Bafana Bafana into second place. South Africa still need a result against Tunisia in their final Group E match on Wednesday while Namibia attempt to regroup for a difficult duel with group leaders Mali.
Confidence was high in the Namibian camp after their upset of Tunisia but South Africa showed no mercy when opportunities were presented on Sunday. Towards the ten minute mark, Bafana winger Thapelo Morena was played in on the right wing and his cross attempt came off the hand of Namibia left back Riaan Hanamub. After a long VAR review confirmed the penalty kick it was Percy Tau who made no mistake like he did against Mali with a convincing spot kick past goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua.
Namibia were no pushovers with several good chances created through Hanamub’s industry on the left wing but repeated failures to convert set the stage for South Africa to double their lead in the 25th minute. Morena got behind on the right wing once again and his low cross found a wide open Zwane for a routine finish past Kazapua. Fifteen minutes later a disastrous first half for Namibia got worse when Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa received the ball outside the penalty area and cushioned a pass for Zwane whose curled finish was excellent after bearing down on goal from the left wing.
South Africa took their foot off the pedal in the second half and allowed some more chances for the Namibian team but it was not meant to be for the Brave Warriors who continued to be profligate with their finishing. In the 75th minute, Bafana added one more when an accurate lofted pass from midfielder Teboho Mokoena found Maseko whose shot went through Kazapua and looped into the goal.
Highlights from the final match on Sunday will be posted when available.
Goals of the Match
