Neo Maema sends Bafana Bafana to TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 finals

South Africa sealed their place to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 finals with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Malawi at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, overturning a first-leg deficit to progress 2-1 on aggregate.

Trailing 1-0 after last weekend’s defeat in Lilongwe, Bafana Bafana needed a strong response – and they delivered under pressure in front of their home supporters.

Head coach Molefi Ntseki made several key changes to the starting line-up, handing starts to goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, Siyanda Msani, Yandisa Mfolozi, Ndumulelo Maphangule, and influential Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema – all of whom played vital roles in the comeback.

The hosts wasted no time in asserting themselves. Just 11 minutes into the match, Victor Letsoalo levelled the tie on aggregate with a thunderous left-footed volley that flew past the Malawian shot-stopper.

Despite dominating possession in the opening half, the home side went into the break with only a narrow 1-0 lead.

Bafana Bafana emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the second period. Letsoalo came close to a brace, rising highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Sebelebele, but his header was well-saved.

With extra-time looming and tension building in the closing stages, captain Neo Maema produced a moment of brilliance in the 87th minute. Pouncing on a loose ball at the edge of the area, he calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to seal the aggregate win.

The result marks a significant milestone for South African football, as Bafana Bafana return to the CHAN finals for the first time since 2014 when they were hosts – a 12-year absence from the prestigious tournament reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in their domestic leagues.

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.