AFCON Qualifier: South Africa hits five goals against Congo

South Africa took an emphatic 5-0 triumph over Congo in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Bafana Bafana moved level with Uganda on seven points at the top of Group K, putting themselves one win away from securing a place in Morocco.

The hosts got off to a strong start, taking the lead in the 13th minute, as Teboho Mokoena scored a header from a corner kick.

Mokoena made it 2-0 in the 27th minute with an absolute beauty. The midfielder made a brilliant turn on the edge of the penalty area before firing beyond goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi.

The game was suspended briefly as the home fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the players. Play resumed as the security level was beefed up.

However, Bafana Bafana made it 3-0 in the first half, as Appollis delivered another corner kick, which was headed in by Bathusi Aubaas, for his first international goal.

The host resumed the second interval brightly as they got another goal with just seven minutes into the second half. Elias Mokwana sent a neat through pass to find Lyle Foster, who finished the close-range calmly for 4-0.

Coming on for Foster, Iqraam Rayners intercepted a poor pass from the goalkeeper and fired home to seal the rout.

The teams will face off again in a return match on Tuesday 15 October, in Brazzaville.