Thalente Mbatha, a debutant, saved Bafana Bafana’s 2-2 tie against Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Friday night.
After leading 1-0 at halftime and appearing comfortable, Bafana were stunned by two long-range Uganda goals in the 50th and 53rd minutes of the second half. The visitors then attempted to keep things quiet at the back, but Mbatha seized upon a loose ball in Uganda’s penalty to level and earn Hugo Broos’ team a point.
The draw is hardly a huge surprise, but Bafana should have won the game in the first half. They appeared to be in a class of their own, with their midfield press and control resulting in plenty of possession and scoring opportunities.
Lyle Foster scored Bafana’s first goal in the 13th minute after Khuliso Mudau played a fantastic through ball.
However, Foster, Oshwin Appollis, and Ellias Mokwana all squandered fantastic chances in the first half that could have put the game away early.
🏆 𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝 ℚ𝕌𝔸𝕃𝕀𝔽𝕀𝔼ℝ𝕊 🏆
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Thalente Mbatha snatch an equalizer for Bafana Bafana!
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 🇿🇦 2⃣➖2⃣ 🇺🇬 𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚
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📱 SABC+#SABCSportFootball #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/EQNOyHf1FK— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 6, 2024
Uganda, on the other hand, equalized at 1-1 thanks to Denis Omedi’s outstanding goal. While the Bafana defenders backpedaled, Omedi threaded his laces through the ball from outside the box, beating Veli Mothwa in the South African goal.
Three minutes later, Uganda had a 2-1 lead thanks to another long-range effort. Mothwa, who was standing in for Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, appeared to have the ball under control. However, Rogers Mayo’s shot from further out went through Mothwa’s gloves and into the back of the net.
Bafana tried to respond and won a free kick in the 79th minute. Stand-in captain Teboho Mokoena’s effort then narrowly missed right, and it appeared that Bafana was in for a tough night.
However, Orlando Pirates’ Mbatha would have the final say on his home turf, with the 24-year-old’s shot deflected into the back of the net after he pounced on a loose ball in the penalty box.
Bafana Bafana’s second Group K match is scheduled for Tuesday against South Sudan.
