A rejuvenated Bafana Bafana team proved that they indeed possess the fighting spirit that could make them become serious contenders to winning the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Throughout the years the South African national team has been under immense criticism due to continuous poor performances that have seen them settling for the minimum results. The last time they won the competition was in 1996 after beating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.
However, on Sunday there were goals galore as Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, and Thapelo Maseko all got the ball behind the net, earning the team a 4 – 0 victory over neighbours, Namibia.
The win was crucial to keeping their dreams alive as they previously conceded a 2 –0 defeat in their opening match against Mali at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo, Cote d’Ivoire. This meant that they had lots to play for, and they certainly did not hold back.
Since the recent victory over Namibia, the team took to Twitter, by sharing a video of their post-match celebrations, thanking the country for its support, highlighting that the performance was dedicated to the entire nation.
“What winning feels like! Thank you, South Africa, it was all for you!”
What winning feels like! Thank you South Africa, it was all 4 YOU! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #AFCON2023 #BafanPride pic.twitter.com/kjom6XmegM
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 21, 2024
Later football supporters shared their thoughts on Sunday evening’s match.
One Twitter user thanked the national team for proving that one should not judge a team solely based on an opening-round performance.
Thank you Bafana Bafana for highlighting the fact that a man shouldn’t be judged by his first round??#AFCON #BafanaKaofela pic.twitter.com/aWNv5NVN8O
— Don Pudi? (@PaballoTshethla) January 22, 2024
Another user congratulated the team saying that the victory once again renewed his hope.
The win for Bafana Bafana was so convincing and it gave us so much hope ? We need to be consistent and play as team ???? South Africa is coming for everything. ?? pic.twitter.com/qK7F0zFYW8
— No One Else But Me ? (@Ndobe_Bibow) January 22, 2024
Meanwhile, a third user said that while the victory was inspirational, the team should try to remain consistent and prove the doubters wrong.
Once again, congratulations to Bafana Bafana for their emphatic win last night. Despite all the negativity, including your own government calling you a bunch of losers, you fought through yesterday. Much work ahead. Let’s go gents pic.twitter.com/HCn8EwmhKZ
— Fana Mokoena (@fanamokoena) January 22, 2024
Also see: WATCH: Siya Kolisi and Trevor Nyakane send well wishes to Bafana Bafana
