Mbatha the saviour! Bafana Bafana escape with crucial victory after South Sudan scare

Super-substitute Thalente Mbatha once again showcased his knack for clutch moments, coming off the bench to rescue Bafana Bafana for the second time in just four days. His decisive second-half strike sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory over a resilient South Sudan side in an intense 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Juba Stadium on Tuesday.

In a match that tested Bafana's resolve, the hosts, despite being underdogs, put up a spirited fight, making life difficult for the visitors with their determined display. But Mbatha, who has quickly built a reputation for delivering in high-pressure moments, stepped up when it mattered most. His goal broke the 2-2 deadlock, earning South Africa three points.

The victory keeps Bafana's Afcon qualification hopes alive and well, propelling them from third to second place in Group K. They trail Uganda, who beat Congo on Monday evening, but only by goal difference. With momentum now on their side, Hugo Broos' men will look to carry this form forward as they inch closer to securing a spot at the 2025 Afcon.

After Bafana clawed their way to a dramatic 2-2 draw against Uganda, thanks to Mbatha's last-gasp strike, Broos's men knew redemption could only come with a win over South Sudan.

The Belgian tactician wasted no time shaking things up - out went Veli Mothwa after his fateful blunder, replaced by debutant Sipho Chaine. Thapelo Morena also stepped in, taking the place of Elias Mokwena, as Broos sought to ignite his side.

But just 15 minutes into a sweltering Juba afternoon, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare. Bafana found themselves reeling when Siyabonga Ngezana, wrongfooted by Tito Okello, grabbed the striker at the edge of the box. The referee wasted no time pointing to the