Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has thanked the fans for turning up in huge numbers to cheer the team to victory on Friday night.
South Africa hosted Congo in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. The 27-year-old scored a brace with Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Lakay, and Iqraam Rayners scoring a goal each to give their team a 5-0 win over the Red Devils.
It was a massive victory for the hosts who have now collected seven points in their group after two wins and a draw, the same as Uganda.
Mokoena excited after getting a brace
Prior to Friday's game, Mokoena had been overlooked by his club coach Manqoba Mngqithi; he had not played any competitive game since his team's elimination from MTN8 by Stellenbosch.
However, Bafana coach Hugo Broos showed faith in the player and gave him his chance which ‘Tebza' took well and sent a message to Masandawana coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
“I feel very excited about today’s game, I think the team played very well. I am happy I also got a chance to play and score goals. It has been a while since I last scored,” Mokoena told the media after his Man-of-the-Match performance.
“I must give credit to the people of [Port Elizabeth] for coming out in numbers and filling up the stadium, it really boosted us and they [supporters] must come [out in] every game.
It will help us a lot for the games in November because we will be playing without any pressure and knowing that we have already qualified for Morocco.”
A win against the Red Devils at the Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium in Brazzaville will see South Africa qualify for the biennial competition.
