South Africa edged the international friendly to carry confidence and momentum into the tournament, even though it was far from a polished performance from either side. With several of their Europe-based stars unavailable, Bafana fielded a largely local-based squad, while Ghana opted not to send their famed Black Stars, instead selecting their second-string Black Galaxies.

Head coach Hugo Broos used the occasion to give opportunities to fringe players, including Siwelele FC goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, who has seen limited game time in national colours in recent months.

Sipho "Masterchef" Mbule against Nigeria - Morgan Piek

The first half produced little to excite, with both teams cancelling each other out as they went into the break locked at 0–0. The breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute when Bethlehem-born Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho “Masterchef” Mbule lit up the afternoon, unleashing a thunderous long-range strike that flew into the back of the net to settle the contest.

After the match, Broos admitted it was not a spectacle to remember, but stressed that results matter most at this stage of preparation.

“It’s not always the game you want to see a few days before a big tournament, but I’m happy with the result,” said Broos.

“It’s always better to go to Morocco with a victory than with a draw or, in the worst case, a defeat. That said, we can do much better than what we showed today.”

Broos added that while Bafana are riding a wave of confidence after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, expectations will be higher after their third-place finish at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

“We will start AFCON with a different status than two years ago and the pressure will be higher, but I’m not worried,” he said.

Here is that goal from Mbule that separates the two sides. pic.twitter.com/wP6GqBEo1y

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 16, 2025

“This team has shown it can handle pressure - we did it in the World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Rwanda. We still have a few important players joining us and time to put the finishing touches in place, and I’m sure we’ll be ready to face Angola.”

Bafana will fly out to Morocco on Wednesday, where they will be joined in Marrakech by their overseas-based stars, including Lyle Foster. The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Sunday, with hosts Morocco facing Comoros in Rabat. South Africa will begin their campaign on Monday against Angola’s Palancas Negras at the Marrakech Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport