Mohau Nkota put on a man-of-the-match performance when Bafana Bafana defeated Zambia 3-1 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in an international friendly on Saturday, 15 November 2025.
Nkota, who replaced Oswin Appollis in the 46th minute, scored Bafana Bafana’s second goal in the 62nd minute. Appollis had opened the scoring in the 43rd minute.
The Al Ettifaq star also played a pivotal role when the South Africans netted their third goal. Nkota assisted Sphephelo Sithole when he found the back of the net in the 68th minute.
Joseph Sabobo, who came on in the second half, scored Chipolopolo’s consolation goal in the 90+2 minute. Bafana Bafana were the better side on the day, enjoying a 67% ball possession and taking six shots on target.
Hugo Broos’s charges used the encounter to send a strong warning to their opponents in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. It was their last friendly match before the fiercely contested tournament kicks off in December in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana vs Zambia: Official Lineups
Bafana Bafana’s Starting XI:
Ronwen Williams (G), Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Mbule, Samukelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Khuliso Mudau.
Zambia’s Starting XI:
Toaster Nsabata (G), Obino Chisala, Miguel Chaiwa, Benson Sakala, Lubambo Musonda, Fashion Sakala, Gift Mphande, Kabaso Chongo, Gift Siame, Given Kalusa, and Patson Daka.
Bafana Bafana Latest Results
In their previous match on 14 October 2025, Bafana Bafana thrashed Rwanda 3-0 in their last World Cup Qualifier. The South Africans qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their dominant victory over Rwanda.
It took only five minutes for Thalente Mbatha to open the scoring with a beauty of a goal. Oswin Appollis, who assisted Mbatha, extended Bafana’s lead in the 26th minute.
Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa scored the last goal, helping Bafana Bafana secure a vital 3-0 victory and maximum points in the match. Appollis also assisted Makgopa.
Zambia Latest Results
In their last game on 12 October 2025, Zambia lost 1-0 to Niger in a crucial World Cup Qualifier. Daniel Sosah scored the only goal of the match in the 56th minute, helping Niger secure maximum points away from home.
Also Read: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria: Super Eagles score own goal in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
Bafana Bafana vs Zambia: Head-to-Head
In their last fixture on 14 July 2023, Zambia edged Bafana Bafana 2-1 in the semi-final of the Cosafa Cup.
The South African national team was leading 1-0 going into the halftime break. Tshegofatso Mabasa had opened the scoring in the 44th minute.
Zambia fought their way back into the match in the second half, ultimately beating Bafana Bafana 2-1. Golden Mashata equalised in the 50th minute, and Albert Kangwanda scored the winner in the 69th minute.
In another Cosafa Cup encounter on 14 July 2021, South Africa and Zambia played to a goalless draw. Zambia had a total of eight shots on target, but Lincoln Vyver made eight crucial saves.
Also Read: Lesotho 0-3 South Africa: Bafana Bafana thump neighbours in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Bafana Bafana’s Next Fixtures:
- On Monday, 22 December 2025, Bafana Bafana will face Angola at Stade de Marrakech in their opening match in the Africa Cup of Nations. The encounter starts at 21:30.
- On Friday, 26 December 2025, Bafana Bafana takes on Egypt at Stade Adrar in their second match in the Africa Cup of Nations. The showdown starts at 19:00.
- On Monday, 29 December 2025, Bafana Bafana will play against Zimbabwe at Stade de Marrakech in their third game in the Africa Cup of Nations. The clash kicks off at 21:30.
Zambia’s Next Fixtures:
- On Monday, 22 December 2025, Zambia will face Mali at Stade Mohamed V in their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations. The clash starts at 16:30.
- On Friday, 26 December 2025, Zambia will face Comoros at Stade Mohamed V in the second match in the Africa Cup of Nations. The showdown kicks off at 16:30.
- On Monday, 29 December 2025, Zambia meets Morocco at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in their third game of the Africa Cup of Nations. The match starts at 19:30.
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