Bafana Bafana supporters have questioned why Relebohile Mofokeng was not involved in South Africa’s match against Congo on Tuesday.
South Africa secured a 1-1 draw in Brazzaville, which put their celebration on hold, as they needed victory to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
It was a match where South Africa struggled on the artificial turf and saw their creative force Themba Zwane stretchered off with an injury in the first half.
Following the average display, a section of Bafana Bafana fans feel Orlando Pirates winger Mofokeng, who was on the bench, could have made a difference had coach Hugo Broos called on him.
Mofokeng was the solution
“The only solution to the Bafana Bafana problem today was Relebohile Mofokeng.” -@BoetBianco
“Hugo Broos will confuse you sometimes. Does he want to win or what? Subbing in three defenders while we have players like Mofokeng who would finish the game?” – @SibiyaOwami
“I really applaud Broos for protecting Mofokeng from an injury because this pitch is not for ball players. We would have loved to win but we'll take a point. Wishing a speedy recovery to Zwane.”
-@Mreiks16
“My observations are that we lacked creativity once Themba came off injured. Mofokeng could have made a difference if he would have come on. Tito [Patrick Maswanganyi] wasn't that bad, he just needs to work on his work rate. He needs a fitness coach to work with him one on one.” – @kgomots40552110
“Below par performance from the boys. It's like they only wanted a draw. After Zwane went off, everything went south. Aubaas and Mokoena combination, not good. Talente and Sithole, Lyle, Maseko and Mvala are missed. The coach should've brought in Mofokeng.” – @Zikode_P
Tito is not Mshishi’s replacement
Patrick Maswanganyi also came in for criticism over his display after he replaced the injured Zwane.
“We need Themba Zwane replacement.” – @NkuthaloMakonco
“Maswanganyi can’t be our best shot at succeeding Zwane. Go to the youth structures if you must to find his replacement.” – @TrickyRedDevs
“The game made a huge turning point after the injury of Mshishi. We wish him a speedy recovery.” – @FKolobe_Malepe
“I don't think Mokoena and Aubas passed fitness tests for this match. The coach didn't care and that's not good for the national team. I'm a Downs fan but I wish Thalente Mbatha was available to bring energy in the midfield. The middle was a highway, our defence wasn't protected.” – @FentseGallagher
“We were let down by our midfield today, after Zwane went off there was no creativity in midfield, Mokoena was tired in the second half, Bathusi lost position most of the time, Tito is far from being Zwane's replacement. We were just saved by the officials today.” – @ThabisoMapaila
Artificial pitch so awful
With South Africa finding it tough on the astroturf, some supporters are delighted that they left Brazzaville with a point.
“We really struggle on artificial turf. Last time Rwanda showed us flames. Even Mokoena and Modiba could not pull out one of their special freekicks. Both of them struggled to hit the target. I am not sure about Mokwana, great energy but he needs to finish.”
“It was not an easy game, the pitch didn't help at all either. Boys gave it their best, it's a point gained rather than any points dropped.” – @alan_sithole
“We are an African team, we should expect such conditions when playing away. I think we should plan more and play a different game when the conditions are not allowing us to play our normal game.” – @Tau_Aid
“Let's talk about the artificial pitch. It was so awful our players couldn't play their normal football.” – @Moses_Lord_Son
South Africa will face Uganda away before finishing their qualification campaign with a home match against South Sudan in November and need one win from the two games to seal their place at next year’s tournament in Morocco.
