Bafana Bafana signed off their Africa Cup of Nations preparations with a narrow but valuable 1–0 victory over Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium.

With the continental tournament in Morocco just days away, head coach Hugo Broos opted to rotate heavily, resting several regular starters and handing opportunities to fringe players against a Ghana side made up entirely of locally based talent.

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Despite the experimental line-up, South Africa controlled large periods of the first half but struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Evidence Makgopa used his physical presence early on to bring others into play, while Mohau Nkota and Tshepang Moremi provided width, though final execution was lacking.

Sipho Mbule went closest before the break, heading narrowly wide from a Nkota free kick before later firing over from the edge of the area. Moremi showed flashes of invention, beating defenders on the dribble, but Ghana remained compact and difficult to break down.

Broos introduced several first-choice players at half-time, including Teboho Mokoena and Oswin Appollis, and the hosts played with greater urgency after the restart. The breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute when Mbule collected the ball just outside the box and curled a precise strike beyond goalkeeper Lawrence Osei to give Bafana a deserved lead.

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Ghana responded with their best spell of the match in the final quarter. Prince Owusu and Rudolf Mensah both went close, with one effort striking the post, while substitute goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was forced into a sharp save late on to preserve the clean sheet.

South Africa saw out the closing stages calmly, managing the tempo and limiting further openings as Broos continued to shuffle his pack. The result ensured Bafana head to Morocco with momentum and confidence, even if attacking cohesion remains a work in progress.

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images