JOHANNESBURG – They got off to a slow start, but Bafana Bafana soon got into their stride to thrash Seychelles 6-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Nigel Nigel scored an own goal, before Thulani Hlatshwayo and Lebo Mothiba made it 3-0 at halftime.
Percy Tau, Dino Ndlovu and Teboho Mokoena finished off the job that took Bafana to the top of Group E on seven points, one ahead of Nigeria, who beat Libya on Saturday.
Here are three talking points from the Bafana game…
1 Although not involved too much in the game, striker Lebo Mothiba made it three in three for Bafana with his goal here.
The French-based forward made his debut for the national team back in March during the Four Nations tournament in Zambia, and helped Bafana win the competition.
This was his first major qualifier, and to get a goal will only build his confidence at this level.
Lebo Mothiba is the Man of the Match for this encounter. pic.twitter.com/R7Ik6IcLK0
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 13, 2018
2 With Keagan Dolly unavailable due to injury, having started the previous qualifier against Libya last month, Aubrey Modiba took his place, and made an argument why he should be considered on the left side of midfield more often.
Like his nickname ‘Postman’, he was delivering, setting up captain Thulani Hlatshwayo for the second Bafana goal.
3 South Africa managed to record their biggest ever win, overtaking the 5-0 victory over Guatemala in the lead up to the World Cup on home soil eight years ago.
A ruthless Bafana showed Seychelles no mercy to run riot, sending a statement to the continent’s minnows – something which they have failed to do in the past.
Bafana’s group after Nigeria beat Libya earlier today as well. #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/PYfzupvf9p