After a disappointing 2-0 loss to Mali in their initial match, South Africa staged a remarkable comeback, defeating Namibia 4-0 and reinvigorating their prospects for advancing to the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Percy Tau initiated the scoring for Bafana Bafana with a penalty in the 14th minute, and Themba Zwane extended the lead to 2-0 in the 25th minute.
Zwane secured his brace in the 40th minute, firmly establishing South Africa’s dominance.
Thapelo Maseko added the finishing touch with a brilliant goal in the 75th minute.
This victory propelled South Africa to the second position on the Group E standings with three points, while Namibia occupied the third spot, also with three points.
South Africa’s next challenge involves facing Tunisia in their final group E match, while Mali takes on Namibia.
In a separate match, Morocco missed an opportunity to secure qualification for the round of 16, settling for a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Silas Katompa Mvumpa, coming off the bench, contributed to DR Congo’s equalizer.
Morocco initially took the lead with Achraf Hakimi’s headed goal from Hakim Ziyech’s corner in the sixth minute.
Despite Cedric Bakambu’s missed penalty in the 41st minute, Silas leveled the score on 76 minutes.
With four points, Morocco leads Group F after their earlier 3-0 victory over Tanzania, while DR Congo holds two points following a 1-1 draw with Zambia.
Morocco has the opportunity to secure the group’s top spot by defeating Zambia on Wednesday, with DR Congo still in contention for a last-16 spot.