Sipho Mbule’s Rocket Secures Victory for Bafana Bafana in AFCON Preparation Match Against Ghana
- Bafana Bafana's first game before their opening fixture in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended in victory as Hugo Broos' side showed no sign of weakness
- South Africa defeated the Black Galaxies of Ghana before they travel to Morocco ahead of the number one football tournament in Africa
- Orlandio Pirates summer signing Sipho Mbule found the back of the net as Bafana Bafana dominated both halves of the clash
Bafana Bafana's first warm-up game ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Angola ended in a 1-0 win over the Black Galaxies of Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule was the match-winner for Bafana Bafana as his second-half strike secured the deserved victory for Hugo Broos' men, keeping their unbeaten run intact.
Bafana Bafana are rated among the favourites to win the AFCON in Morocco, and despite their off-field issues involving coach Broos and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, they still carved out a win over Ghana. The Belgian made a remark about the defender's move to Major League Soccer, for which he later apologised to the player and his agent.
SA defeat Ghana ahead of AFCON opener
Broos made a string of changes before the start of the second half, handing uncommon starting opportunities to players such as Ricardo Goss, Thabang Matuludi, Bathusi Aubaas, and Tshepang Moremi in the match against Ghana’s CHAN squad.
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In the opening 10 minutes of the first half, Bafana Bafana were the better side and had chances to take the lead, but Mbule couldn't power his header past the Ghanaian goalkeeper, as it missed the target.
The first period of the match had limited chances created by both teams, but South Africa were the better team of the two. Former Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota had an opportunity from a free-kick before the break, but he sent his effort way past the goalpost of the Black Galaxies as the first half ended goalless.
Broos made a string of changes before the start of the second half as Nkota, Goss, and Mbatta made way for Oswin Appollis, Sipho Chaine, and Teboho Mokoena, respectively.
Bafana Bafana showed greater attacking intent after the break, with substitute Appollis particularly influential in advanced areas, but it was Mbule who broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, firing a thunderous effort from long range past the helpless Ghanaian shot-stopper.
Broos persisted with his tactical adjustments, introducing Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, who was subbed on in place of the goalscorer Mbule, and bringing Elias Mokwana on to replace Moremi.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa came close to extending their lead when Appollis' delivery flashed across the penalty area, narrowly evading every attacker, with Khulumani Ndamane just failing to nod the ball home at the back post.
In the 85th minute, the Black Galaxies surged forward seeking an equaliser, but a deflected cross was handled perfectly by Chaine, who punched the effort over the bar to keep Bafana Bafana's lead intact.
Broos' squad is set to depart for Morocco on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, where Sphelelo Sithole, Burnley striker Lyle Foster, and Club Brugge star Shandre Campbell will join the team in Marrakech.
Bafana Bafana will kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an opening fixture against Angola on Monday, December 22, 2025, in Marrakech.
Broos shares Bafana's AFCON target
Briefly News also reported that Broos has shared Bafana Bafana's target at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December.
The former Cameroon national team coach set the record straight after his team was put under pressure to win the tournament this year.
Source: Briefly News
