Sebelebele and Radiopane Shine in Bloemfontein
South Africa booked their place in the 2025 COSAFA Cup final with a commanding 3-1 victory over Comoros at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday evening. Goals from Kamogelo Sebelebele and Boitumelo Radiopane, along with an early own goal, sealed the win for Bafana Bafana, who now prepare to face Angola in Sunday’s final.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Bafana Bafana wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the 9th minute, Kamogelo Sebelebele’s dangerous run into the box forced Comoros defender Idris Mohamed into an own goal, giving South Africa an early 1-0 lead. Just four minutes later, Gape Moralo split the defense with a precise through ball, allowing Orlando Pirates striker Boitumelo Radiopane to calmly slot home the second goal. The strike was confirmed after a brief VAR check.
Comoros Fight Back but Fall Short
Despite the early setback, Comoros responded with resilience. In the 29th minute, Ibrahim Madi pulled one back, finishing a low cross at the far post to make it 2-1. The island nation pushed for an equalizer before halftime, but South Africa’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa making key saves.
Sebelebele Seals It in the Second Half
South Africa regained control in the second half, and in the 59th minute, Sebelebele struck again, this time with a composed first-time finish after Moralo won the ball high up the pitch. The goal restored Bafana’s two-goal cushion and effectively ended Comoros’ hopes of a comeback.
Comoros’ night went from bad to worse in the 78th minute when Naumoudine Assane received a second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men and extinguishing any remaining momentum.
Tactical Discipline and Squad Rotation
Coach Vela Khumalo made just one change from the previous match, bringing in Kabelo Dlamini for Vuyo Letlapa. His tactical setup allowed South Africa to dominate possession and exploit Comoros’ defensive gaps. Late substitutions, including Victor Letsoalo and Yandisa Mfolozi, helped maintain energy and control in the final stages
What This Means for South Africa
With this win, South Africa advance to the COSAFA Cup final, where they will face Angola in a highly anticipated showdown. The victory also highlights the depth and quality of the current Bafana Bafana squad, many of whom are products of the PSL and local academies.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s 3-1 win over Comoros was a blend of early aggression, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance. With players like Sebelebele and Radiopane stepping up, Bafana Bafana look poised to reclaim regional dominance. As they prepare for the final, the nation will be watching closely—hopeful that this generation can deliver silverware and inspire the next wave of South African football talent.
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