South Africa recorded a confident 2-0 win over Mozambique in an international friendly on Tuesday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, delivering a performance marked by control, cohesion, and clinical finishing.
Bafana Bafana dictated the pace from the outset, asserting their authority in possession and forcing Mozambique onto the back foot.
Despite creating numerous opportunities in the first half, Hugo Broos’s side were unable to break the deadlock before the interval, with visiting goalkeeper Urrubal keeping them at bay.
The breakthrough came just moments into the second half.
In the 46th minute, Mohau Nkota delivered a precise corner kick to the near post, where Sinoxolo Kwayiba met it with a powerful header that flew into the left side of the net.
Goal!! 46th minute!! Kwayiba, assist by Nkota 🇿🇦🔥 pic.twitter.com/xKjlCw8rEF
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 10, 2025
It was a deserved reward for the hosts’ dominance, and marked Kwayiba’s first international goal.
“South Africa finally opened the scoring,” the report noted, describing the goal as a product of sustained pressure.
Mozambique responded with brief flashes of attacking intent.
Stanley Ratifo’s effort in the 49th minute lacked the necessary accuracy, while Dayo Antônio’s attempt in the 81st was similarly off target.
The Mambas struggled to convert their chances, their attacking movements regularly stifled by a disciplined South African defence.
South Africa doubled their lead in the 69th minute, courtesy of a superb impact from the bench.
Substitute Ashley Cupido, introduced just minutes earlier, latched onto another incisive pass from Nkota and struck cleanly from outside the box.
What a beauty from Cupido! pic.twitter.com/RzM8Cv9uwX
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 10, 2025
His crisp right-footed drive left Urrubal helpless, nestling into the net for 2-0.
“A splendid goal that sealed the fate of the match,” the account read, encapsulating the moment’s significance.
In the closing stages, Broos made additional changes to preserve the advantage, introducing Ricardo Gross, Oswin Appollis, and Deano van Rooyen.
Mozambique nearly pulled one back in the 88th minute when Shaquille rose to meet a cross with a dangerous header, but goalkeeper Leaner produced a sharp save low to his left to maintain the clean sheet.
South Africa managed the final minutes with composure, allowing little space for a Mozambican comeback.
The referee’s whistle after three minutes of added time confirmed a comfortable win for the home side—one that not only reflects their growing depth but also underscores their intent heading into future fixtures.
