South Africa and Congo played out a 1-1 draw in a fiercely contested AFCON qualifier, leaving both sides with plenty to ponder heading into the final stretch of the campaign. The result gives South Africa a slight advantage as they inch closer to qualification, while Congo will need to fight hard in their remaining matches to keep their hopes alive.
Bafana Bafana started the game brightly, showcasing their attacking intent. Their persistence paid off in the 33rd minute when Mokwana capitalized on a defensive lapse to put South Africa ahead, finishing calmly to make it 1-0. The goal sparked celebrations among the South African fans, and for a moment, it seemed as though the South Africans would cruise to a crucial victory.
However, Congo responded swiftly. Just before the halftime whistle, they leveled the score with a well-taken goal, silencing the crowd and shifting the momentum of the game. The equalizer brought a renewed sense of determination to Congo, setting up an intense second half.
The second half saw both teams battling hard, with end-to-end action keeping fans on the edge of their seats. South Africa pushed for a winner to solidify their position, while Congo pressed forward, hoping to steal all three points. Despite the relentless efforts from both sides, neither could find the decisive goal, and the match ended with the two teams settling for a point each.
For South Africa, the result is bittersweet. While they would have preferred a win, the draw puts them in a favorable position with two matches remaining. If they can pick up vital points in those games, qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations will be within their reach.
Congo, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Every point count at this stage, and though they avoided defeat, they must now approach their remaining fixtures with maximum urgency if they hope to stay in the race for qualification.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do, but South Africa will feel they are edging closer to their goal. With everything to play for in the coming matches, the tension is building, and the race for AFCON qualification remains wide open.
