Themba Zwane netted two goals in a span of 16 first-half minutes, leading South Africa to a resounding victory over Namibia and securing their first points in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Percy Tau, seeking redemption after missing a penalty in Bafana Bafana’s initial defeat to Mali, initiated the scoring with an early penalty kick. Zwane extended the lead with a powerful finish from Thapelo Morena’s cross, adding his second with a well-executed clip after a dynamic run into the box.
Substitute Thapelo Maseko sealed the 4-0 win when Lloyd Kazapua failed to handle his strike from Teboho Mokoena’s long ball. The match showcased a dazzling first-half attacking display by South Africa, with Morena’s curling effort tipped over, and Sphephelo Sithole missing a free header in front of the goal.
Both teams have the opportunity to secure a spot in the last 16 by winning their decisive matches for the knockout stage on Wednesday at 17:00 GMT. South Africa will face Tunisia, while Namibia will meet Mali. The Brave Warriors can surpass the 1996 champions for automatic progression by achieving a better result, while either nation still has hope of qualifying as one of the four best third-placed teams if they finish just outside the top two.
Tau redeemed himself by converting a penalty after a VAR check, following Riaan Hanamub’s handball while defending a Morena delivery. Morena’s impressive run down the right set up Zwane’s second goal, capping off a remarkable first-half attacking performance.
Namibia initially started on the attack, with Prins Tjiueza forcing a fourth-minute save from Ronwen Williams. Despite opportunities, Namibia failed to capitalize, with Absalom Limbondi sending his shot over the crossbar and captain Peter Shalulile unable to connect with a cross from Hanamub.
The pace slowed in the second half, with South Africa comfortably defending against a less clinical Namibian side. The 4-0 victory marked South Africa’s largest win in their country’s Afcon finals history and the widest margin of victory in the 2023 edition thus far, surpassing the only four-goal win at the 2021 tournament.
