South Africa’s players celebrate after scoring their team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on 7 February 2024.
(Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
South Africa’s love for Bafana Bafana was reignited on a night they got knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the semi-final against Nigeria.
The nation has often felt hurt by the men’s national team for the past two decades as home support often evaded Bafana whenever a fixture came around.
But on Wednesday, the love for Bafana returned.
Hugo Broos and his charges surprised many, not only people back in South Africa but also people globally, as they exceeded expectations.
Against Nigeria, they fought a good fight and put their bodies on the line in a match that was defined by small margins.
William Troost-Ekong gave the Super Eagles the lead via a spot-kick. Then, the ever-reliable Teboho Mokoena equalised with a penalty of his own in the 90th minute to send the match to extra time.
In the end, quarter-final hero Ronwen Williams was outshone by Stanley Nwabali as he saved two spot kicks to end Bafana’s journey.
But as soon as the full-time whistle echoed throughout the Stade de la Paix, messages of support streamed in the thousands on X (formerly Twitter).
See the messages below:
This Bafana Bafana side has a genuine resilience to them and it’s very easy to be proud of this side.#AFCON2023
— Carl Lewis (@Carl_LewisZA) February 7, 2024
It has felt so good being excited about Bafana Bafana again after such a long time. Thank you ????
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) February 7, 2024
We should all be very proud of the performance of this @BafanaBafana team. This was a great tournament performance overall and they made South Africa believe again. They made young boys want to get soccer boots for their birthdays and play for Bafana Bafana. For a team that… pic.twitter.com/jzhu1DxB0v
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) February 7, 2024
Hard luck boys, you gave it your best shot..It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a fighting Bafana, you can be proud of your campaign.. pic.twitter.com/xNUcPyBWcs
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) February 7, 2024
I think by far this is worse than a heartbreak ! #AFCON2024 Bittersweet as I feel sad for losing , yet so proud of @BafanaBafana for fighting such a good fight !!!
— justshona_ (@28_shona) February 7, 2024
Proud of this team. No one really gave us a chance yet we fought our way to a SF. Hugo Broos and his men done us proud. The country is proud of you Bafana????????????????????????????????????????????????#AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/qrWYjRJWcr
— Lawrence Bailey ? ???? (@LawrenceBailey0) February 7, 2024
We are very proud of you @BafanaBafana , you didn’t humiliate the soccer loving nation of South Africa. We can only grow from here ????
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) February 7, 2024
Well done Bafana Bafana! What a tournament. We are proud! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— DrMusa (@DrMusaMthombeni) February 7, 2024
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