South Africa secured a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in an international friendly played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday afternoon.
Lyle Foster scored the only goal of the game as Bafana Bafana claimed a victory over a fellow Africa Cup of Nations qualifier – a promising sign for coach Hugo Broos ahead of both the continental finals (which will be held in the Ivory Coast in early 2024) and the start of 2026 World Cup qualifiers (which get under way in November).
Broos made seven changes to his starting XI that featured in the 0-0 draw with Namibia on Saturday, as Ricardo Goss, Mothobi Mvala, Nyiko Mobbie, Mlungisi Mbunjana, Mihlali Mayambela, Zakhele Lepasa and Percy Tau all came into the line-up.
DR Congo claimed the early initiative and had some promising forays via Yoane Wissa, Jackson Muleka and Chadrac Akolo – without ever really testing out goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
South Africa established a foothold in the game and claimed the lead in the 25th minute, with a corner kick routine resulting in a loose ball in the penalty area which was swept home with his left foot by Lyle Foster.
FT Score… pic.twitter.com/lYw5JHaMe3
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 12, 2023
The hosts went on to have further chances for the likes of Tau and Bathusi Aubaas, while the Leopards offered a potent threat on the counter attack without really having the necessary precision and nous to create clear openings in the remainder of the first half.
The Central Africans opted for a double change just before the hour mark by introducing Aldo Kalulu and Pelly Mpanzu, sparking a spell of attacking pressure from the team in blue which caused a couple of nervy moments for Goss.
Bafana almost killed off the game in the 85th minute via Aubaas, who saw his deflected drive tipped onto the post by a brilliant save from DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau.
South Africa will be back in international friendly action next month with matches against Eswatini (home) and Afcon hosts Ivory Coast (away).
South Africa (1) 1 (Foster 25’)
DR Congo 0
SA: Goss, Mobbie, Xulu, Mvala, Maela, Aubaas, Mbunjana (Kekana 81’), Mayambela (Saleng 67’), Tau, Lepasa (Mothiba 67’), Foster (Modiba 81’)
DRC: Nzau, Ikoko, Bushiri, Baka, J. Kayembe, Mfulu (Pickel 72’), E. Kayembe (Mpanzu 58’), Silas (Elia 84’), Akolo, Wissa (Kalulu 58’), Muleka (Mayele 72’)