South Africa claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over South Sudan in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Juba Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Thalente Mbatha was again the hero for Bafana Bafana, scoring deep into stoppage time to snatch all three points and lift South Africa level with Uganda on four points at the top of Group K. It marked Mbatha’s second consecutive injury-time strike after his late equaliser against Uganda the previous week.
South Sudan took an early lead when Tito Okello converted from the penalty spot after being fouled by Siyabonga Ngezana. South Africa responded swiftly as Aubrey Modiba set up Oswin Appollis to drive home a precise finish from the left side of the box.
Bafana continued to threaten, with Thapelo Morena denied twice before Appollis restored their advantage just before halftime, calmly slotting in a rebound after Lyle Foster’s shot hit the post.
The hosts drew level again midway through the second half when Valentino Yuel pounced on a loose ball in a crowded penalty area to make it 2-2.
As heavy rain disrupted the flow of the game, South Africa pushed for a winner and were rewarded five minutes into added time when Mbatha struck a powerful left-footed volley into the bottom corner to seal a dramatic win.
South Africa and South Sudan will return to Group K action next month, with Bafana facing Congo while the Bright Stars take on Uganda.
Final score:
South Sudan 2 (Okello 15’ pen, Yuel 58’)
South Africa 3 (Appollis 17’, 45+1’, Mbatha 90+5’)