Molefi Ntseki hails Bafana Bafana’s fightback as they qualify for CHAN 2025

Bafana Bafana beat Malawi 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld, progressing with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Coming into the second leg a goal down, Bafana responded with goals from Victor Letsoalo in the 12th minute and captain Neo Maema in the 87th to seal the result.

Ntseki was pleased with the team’s execution.

"But today I think we were very resolute in terms of our tactical plan, the application of each individual player who was on the pitch. So, thanks to the players and the whole technical team and SAFA as a whole," Ntseki said.

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South Africa dominated from the outset, enjoying most of the possession and creating numerous chances before taking a narrow lead into halftime.

Ntseki, who had to contend with players arriving late to camp, says the win is a reward for the team, the country, and SAFA.

"The first group of players could not make it to the first leg against Malawi but I think those who reported for camp did their best and then we managed to play the game until the 87th minute of which our game management in terms of our concentration levels dropped a bit and then we conceded from a setplay," he added.

Malawi were without influential Silver Strikers midfielder Zebron Kalima due to injury, a loss that may have impacted their approach.

Ntseki believes Malawi came with a defensive mindset, but also the freedom of having “nothing to lose.”

"In simple terms we can say they came here with nothing to lose because they were fully aware that if they were to score, we'll have to score three or more goals.

“I think that was their approach and when we started the second half, we missed a chance in the first minute of the second half but I think it's normal in the game of football because whenever the opposition team is in possession and you have a goal to defend at times it turns out to be a possession for them."