South Africa national team, Bafana Bafana, recovered from their opening-day defeat to comprehensively beat the Brave Warriors of Namibia 4-0 at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Hugo Broos’ side lost to Mali in their Group E opener, while Namibia shocked Tunisia for a famous win to begin their campaign at this AFCON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
It was a fast start for the South Africans against their neighbours as they scored three goals in the first half. Percy Tau – South Africa’s talisman and most decorated player in the squad – stepped up and confidently buried the opener from the penalty spot after 14 minutes.
Bafana Bafana then doubled their lead via Themba Zwane, who finished past Lloyd Junior Kazapua midway through the first half. At that point, Namibia looked lost, and South Africa capitalized on their dominance to further extend their lead as Zwane dribbled into the box before finishing expertly past Kazapua. While the intensity of the game decreased considerably in the second half, South Africa still added a fourth goal through Thapelo Maseko.
Things remain wide open in Group E as South Africa move into second place by goal difference. Qualification spots will be decided in the final round of group fixtures when South Africa take on a Tunisia side desperate for points, while Namibia face current group leaders Mali.
In Group F, tournament favorites Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited DR Congo side at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.
Achraf Hakimi gave the Atlas Lions the lead before the Congolese side recovered to rescue a point in a game they could have won. DR Congo were handed a lifeline back into the clash when VAR awarded a penalty, only for striker Cedric Bakambu to drag his effort wide. However, the Leopards finally drew level with 15 minutes left when Silas Katompa Mvumpa converted Elia Meschack’s assist.
In the other game, 10-man Zambia grabbed a late equalizer through Patson Daka after Simon Msuva’s 11th-minute strike for Tanzania. The late drama means Tanzania, who were without their coach, without a first AFCON victory after eight attempts.
Tanzania also remain bottom of Group F ahead of their final game with DR Congo while Zambia stay third. The Zambians will need a win against Morocco on Tuesday to progress to the knockouts after this dramatic stalemate. Meanwhile, DR Congo will face off with Tanzania on Wednesday.
