South Africans are filled with joy following the Bafana Bafana’s victory over Egypt on Saturday, which booked them a spot in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals.
Thembinkosi Lorch scored the game’s only goal in the 85th minute to ensure the 1996 winners dumped the home side out of the tournament in a packed Cairo International Stadium.
Following his countrymen’s heroics, President Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media to join thousands of other users in congratulating the Bafana Bafana.
“A well deserved win by #BafanaBafana at #AFCON2019 playing against the host country, Egypt. You’ve shown that you have a lot of fight in you and we’re proud that you’ve made it this far. All the best for the rest of the tournament, the whole country is behind you,” the president said via his official Twitter account.
A well deserved win by #BafanaBafana at #AFCON2019 playing against the host country, Egypt. You’ve shown that you have a lot of fight in you and we’re proud that you’ve made it this far. All the best for the rest of the tournament, the whole country is behind you. #EGYRSA pic.twitter.com/MyPXUp5u8R
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 6, 2019
Other South Africans followed suit in sending congratulatory messages to the team after Saturday’s win, with others even expressing belief that the team can go all the way and win the competition.
A great day for South Africa, the Proteas and Bafana Bafana making our nation proud once again.
We are a proud nation, kubo!#ProteaFire #BafanaBafana
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) July 6, 2019
DONE!!!!!
This is the consequence of the struggles we faced. Our character has been built. Pressure was Pleasure! #BafanaBafana— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) July 6, 2019
Congratulations @BafanaBafana on your victory against Egypt. We are very proud of your achievement. 👏🏾🇿🇦 keep flying our flag up high
#BafanaBafana #AFCON2019 #EGYRSA— Thatha Deals (@ThathaDeals) July 7, 2019
Given last night’s performance and the opposition left in the tournament, I think its time to believe Bafana can actually win this Afcon. #BafanaBafana #AFCON2019
— Andre (@The__Giant) July 7, 2019
Congrats on last night’s performance, bafana! Lorch’s finish was sublime and Andre Arendse shouting for everyone to concentrate after the goal was funny and amazing! Proud South African #BafanaBafana @percymuzitau22
— Gavin Hlatshwayo (@GavinForex) July 7, 2019
The last time South Africa made it to the quarter final stage of AFCON was in 2013, when they lost to Mali on penalties.
Saturday’s win booked them a clash against Nigeria, which saw off the defending champions, Cameroon.
The game will be played on 10 July at the Cairo International Stadium.
Other than South Africa and Nigeria, the other teams that have already qualified to the quarter finals include Senegal and Benin.
The final game of the tournament will be played on 19 July.
