Bafana Bafana's Unbeaten Mbombela Streak

Mbombela Stadium

Bafana Bafana remain unbeaten at Mbombela Stadium, where they've won six and drawn four of their 10 matches since 2010.

However, the stadium holds a painful memory for South Africa - a 0-0 draw against Sierra Leone in 2011 that cost them a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations finals due to a misinterpretation of the qualification rules.

South Africa is set to face Rwanda in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at the . The national team remains unbeaten at this venue, boasting six wins and four draws in their previous 10 matches since 2010.

While Mbombela Stadium has proven to be a stronghold for South Africa, it's also the site of their greatest embarrassment. In 2011, the team drew 0-0 with , only to discover they had missed out on qualifying for the due to goal difference.

Mbombela Stadium will forever be linked to 's heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The stadium witnessed a 0-0 draw between South Africa and Sierra Leone, which led the Bafana players to celebrate qualification, unaware that 's superior head-to-head record meant they had actually missed out.

The countdown is underway.... pic.twitter.com/oQSnBxBoyS
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Mbombela Stadium's Notable Matches

Bafana Bafana's Convincing Win

South Africa thrashed 4-0 in a friendly match on May 16, 2010, with and inspiring the victory. Tshabalala opened the scoring with a fine strike, while Mphela netted twice in quick succession. Substitute sealed the win with a late goal, showcasing Bafana Bafana's impressive form under Carlos Alberto Parreira ahead of the World Cup.

Bafana Bafana's AFCON Qualifier Win

South Africa secured a 2-0 victory over Niger in an AFCON qualifier on September 4, 2010. Katlego Mphela opened the scoring with a close-range strike, and Bernard Parker doubled the lead before halftime, setting a positive tone for Bafana Bafana's 2012 Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

Heartbreak for Bafana Bafana

South Africa's AFCON hopes were left in tatters after a 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone on October 8, 2011. Despite dominating possession, Bafana Bafana couldn't break down Sierra Leone's defense, and the result ultimately ended their Nations Cup campaign due to Niger's superior head-to-head record, sparking confusion and heartbreak.

Bafana Bafana's Convincing Friendly Win

South Africa secured a 3-0 victory over Gabon in a friendly match on June 15, 2012. Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the scoring with a curling effort, followed by Tokelo Rantie doubling the lead after halftime. Mzikayise Mashaba sealed the win with a third goal, showcasing a fluent display under caretaker coach Steve Komphela.

Bafana Bafana's Impressive Friendly Win

South Africa defeated Mozambique 2-0 in a friendly match on September 11, 2012. Bernard Parker scored twice, showcasing his clinical finishing with a well-taken opener and a composed late goal. The win highlighted the team's sharp attacking movement and renewed purpose under Gordon Igesund's leadership.

Bafana Bafana's Win Over Ivory Coast

South Africa defeated Ivory Coast 2-0 in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on November 30, 2014. Bongani Zungu opened the scoring with a long-range strike, and David Zulu doubled the lead soon after halftime, securing a convincing win for Bafana Bafana.

Late Drama in South Africa's Friendly

Bongani Zungu's stoppage-time equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw for South Africa against Nigeria on March 29, 2015. Ahmed Musa had given the Super Eagles the lead, but Zungu's composed finish ensured a share of the spoils in a lively and end-to-end friendly match.

Bafana Bafana Held to Draw by Mauritania

South Africa's AFCON qualifying campaign ended on a mixed note with a 1-1 draw against Mauritania on September 2, 2016. Hlompho Kekana's thunderous strike earned Bafana Bafana a point after Guidileye's header had given the visitors the lead. Despite being reduced to ten men, Mauritania held firm despite sustained late pressure from South Africa.

Hlongwane's Brace Sinks Mozambique

Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored a quickfire brace to lead South Africa to a 2-1 friendly win over Mozambique on November 17, 2022. The hosts were initially stunned by Divrassone's early goal, but Hlongwane's two goals in three minutes turned the match around.

South Africa Held to Draw by Angola

Zakhele Lepasa's penalty earned South Africa a 1-1 draw against Angola in a friendly match on November 20, 2022. Zini had given Angola the lead early on, but Lepasa's spot-kick salvaged a point for Bafana Bafana in a physical encounter where both goalkeepers, Ronwen Williams and Marques, made impressive saves.

Bafana Bafana's Unbeaten Mbombela Streak