Bafana Bafana’s Themba Zwane to undergo injury scans after Congo AFCON qualifier
Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane is set to undergo medical scans in Brazzaville following an injury he sustained during South Africa’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday night. The scans will take place at Clinique Médicale SECUREX, where the extent of Zwane’s injury will be evaluated.
Zwane was forced off the pitch just five minutes before halftime after suffering the injury during the tightly contested match at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat in Brazzaville.
South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos had no choice but to make an early substitution, bringing on Patrick Maswanganyi to replace the injured Zwane.
Dr. Tshepo Molobi, Bafana Bafana’s team doctor, confirmed that the midfielder’s scans are critical in determining the nature of the injury.
Speaking to SAFA’s official website, Molobi provided an update on Zwane’s situation, saying, “Our Chief Medical Officer at SAFA, Dr. Thulani Ngwenya, has been in constant communication with Themba’s club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Their medical team has been informed at every stage of the process, ensuring full transparency.”
Molobi added that once the scans are complete and the medical team has assessed the results, Zwane will be cleared to travel back to Johannesburg with the rest of his teammates.
Upon arrival in South Africa, all the necessary medical procedures will be in place to ensure Themba’s full recovery,” he assured.
Zwane’s injury comes as a significant concern for both Bafana Bafana and his club Mamelodi Sundowns.
A key figure in South Africa’s national team, Zwane’s absence could have a considerable impact on future matches as Bafana Bafana continue their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign.
Tuesday’s AFCON qualifier against Congo ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams delivering a hard-fought performance.
South Africa’s Elias Mokwana opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, putting Bafana Bafana ahead.
However, Congo responded just before halftime, with striker Andre Bassouamina finding the back of the net to level the match.
Despite the setback of losing Zwane to injury, South Africa managed to hold on for the draw, although the team will be hoping for better results as they aim to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco.
Coach Hugo Broos and his squad will return to South Africa on Wednesday, with the team expected to regroup and assess their performance ahead of their next qualifying fixtures.
The extent of Zwane’s injury will be a major talking point as the team prepares for the next phase of their AFCON qualification journey.
The injury to Themba Zwane will undoubtedly leave both the national team and his club on edge as they await the results of his scans.
As a crucial player for both Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, his absence could affect key upcoming matches for both teams.
Coach Hugo Broos will now have to explore alternative options in midfield if Zwane faces a prolonged period on the sidelines, while Mamelodi Sundowns will also be monitoring his recovery closely, as they prepare for their own competitive fixtures.
The results of the medical assessment in Brazzaville will determine the next steps in Zwane’s recovery process, with hopes that he can return to action soon.
