Bafana Bafana secured their first victory of the 2024 Cosafa Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Eswatini at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, 02 July 2024. However, despite the win, their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages were dashed due to results elsewhere in Group A.

Bafana Bafana vs Eswatini: A Must-Win Encounter

Both sides came into the encounter needing a win to secure their place in the next round. South Africa, having drawn their opening two games 0-0 against Mozambique and Botswana, faced mounting criticism for their lack of attacking intent. Eswatini, also on two points, were looking to cause an upset.

The match itself was a tense affair, with few clear-cut chances created in the first half. Bafana Bafana controlled possession but struggled to break down a resolute Eswatini defence. The second half saw a similar pattern emerge, with frustration growing amongst the home crowd.

Cosafa Cup Hopes Dashed Despite Victory

The win put Bafana Bafana in a good position, but their fate ultimately hinged on results in the other Group A match. Unfortunately for Mkhalele’s men, a win for Mozambique against Botswana meant that South Africa finished second in the group, falling short of qualification for the semi-finals based on goal difference.

Talking Points: A Bittersweet Victory

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the semi-finals, there were some positive takeaways for Bafana Bafana.

First Win and Improved Performance: The victory over Eswatini marked Bafana Bafana’s first win of the tournament and showcased a more attacking approach compared to their opening draws.
Defensive Resilience: The South African defence displayed commendable resilience, particularly in the latter stages of the match against Eswatini.
Work Needed Going Forward: The lack of goals in the opening fixtures ultimately proved costly. Coach Mkhalele will need to address their attacking issues for future tournaments.

The 2024 Cosafa Cup journey may be over for Bafana Bafana, but the lessons learned will be crucial as they prepare for upcoming challenges.