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Bafana Bafana Skirmishes with Afcon Hosts, Ivory Coast, Ends in Essential 1-1 Draw

Published October 18, 2023
1 years ago

It was a crucial test of mettle for South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana as they held their ground, securing a 1-1 draw against the Africa Cup of Nations’ hosts, Ivory Coast. The riveting international friendly match took place in Abidjan on Tuesday night.



Coming off from a static draw against Eswatini on Friday night, the South African side recognized the need to elevate their game, considering that their performance would set the tone for the impending World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, and the Afcon Group E contests with Tunisia, Mali and Namibia.


The match against an energized host crowd in the Ivorian capital city tested Bafana’s resolve, a deviation from their customary games in front of empty seats at home. Nevertheless, Hugo Broos led his men to take an unexpected lead during the break with Themba Zwane scoring in the 8th minute. The game concluded at a 1-1 draw.



The Ivory Coast side, known as The Elephants, who not only host the biennial event but also stand as favorites to win, freshly off their 1-1 draw against Morocco, were momentarily silenced as Mamelodi Sundowns’ players crafted Bafana's sole goal of the game.


South Africans withstood some high-pressure moments, especially from the Elephants' star player, Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund, who scored the equalizing goal. Nevertheless, the Bafana side, especially Ronwen Williams, rose to the challenge, displaying resilience and agility, essential in securing this much-needed draw.


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