Bafana Bafana moved one step closer to 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification after thrashing Congo Brazzaville 5-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday evening.
It was an evening to remember in Gqeberha for South Africa and one to forget for the visitors who only arrived last night ahead of their AFCON qualifier.
And Hugo Broos’ side took them to the sword with Teboho Mokoena, who dominated headlines in the build up to the game scoring two goals in the opening half hour, which was nearly marred by fans who invaded the pitch.
The first came from a header from Oswin Appollis corner, the second, receiving the ball from the diminutive winger, with a first touch to die for, before smashing a thunderous half-volley into the far corner past a flailing Christoffer Mafoumbi.
But three supporters managed to invade the pitch with lax security at the 2010 FIFA World Cup arena which saw officials half the game for close to 20 minutes and left the game at risk as a walkover for the opposition.
But security was beefed up before the players returned to the pitch and Appollis bagged a hattrick of assists when Bathusi Aubaas headed his corner to make it 3-0 before the break.
Bafana continued their free-flowing attacking approach in the second half with Congo needing to chase the game in order to keep their qualification hopes alive, but Lyle Foster made sure there was no chance of a comeback after netting the fourth after 52 minutes.
Appollis was again at the thick of things, with a stunning pass which found Elias Mokwana to set the ball up for a tap-in, as Foster prodded home his fifth goal in the past 10 appearances for the senior national team.
The Burnley forward then was forced off with an injury and replaced by Iqraam Rayners who made it 5-0 with 10 minutes to go.
Three points in the Eastern Cape that had close to 40,000 supporters packed in the arena on the evening means South Africa could wrap up the qualification with two games to spare, should they win away in Brazzaville next week.
