The venue has been something of a fortress for the national side in their 10 previous visits, all since 2010, with six victories and four draws.
But it will also forever be remembered as the venue where Bafana played to a 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone in the belief that it would qualify them for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals, and celebrated as such, only to discover they had been pipped by Niger having failed to understand the rules.
Here is a breakdown of their 10 previous games at the Mbombela Stadium.
SOUTH AFRICA 4–0 THAILAND
16 May, 2010 – Friendly
Siphiwe Tshabalala and Katlego Mphela inspired South Africa to a commanding win over Thailand. Tshabalala opened the scoring with a fine strike before Mphela netted twice in quick succession. Substitute Bernard Parker sealed the rout late on as Bafana Bafana impressed in their World Cup preparations under Carlos Alberto Parreira.
SOUTH AFRICA 2–0 NIGER
4 September, 2010 – AFCON Qualifier
Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker were on target as South Africa began their 2012 Nations Cup qualifying campaign with victory. Mphela struck early from close range before Parker added a second before halftime.
SOUTH AFRICA 0–0 SIERRA LEONE
8 October, 2011 – AFCON Qualifier
South Africa were left frustrated after a goalless draw with Sierra Leone ended their Nations Cup hopes. Despite long spells of dominance, Bafana Bafana could not find a way past goalkeeper Christian Caulker. The result later became infamous after confusion over qualification rules saw South Africa mistakenly celebrate progress.
SOUTH AFRICA 3–0 GABON
15 June, 2012 – Friendly
Goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala, Tokelo Rantie and Mzikayise Mashaba earned South Africa a comfortable win. Tshabalala struck with a curling effort before Rantie doubled the lead after the break. Mashaba added a third to cap a fluent display under caretaker coach Steve Komphela.
SOUTH AFRICA 2–0 MOZAMBIQUE
11 September, 2012 – Friendly
Bernard Parker scored twice as South Africa eased past Mozambique. The forward netted early after slick build-up play and sealed victory late on with a composed finish before Miro’s dismissal for the visitors. Gordon Igesund’s new-look side impressed with sharp attacking movement and renewed purpose in front of home supporters.
SOUTH AFRICA 2–0 IVORY COAST
30 November, 2014 – Nelson Mandela Challenge
Bafana Bafana defeated a youthful Ivory Coast side with goals from Bongani Zungu and David Zulu. Zungu struck first from range before Zulu added a second soon after halftime.
SOUTH AFRICA 1–1 NIGERIA
29 March, 2015 – Friendly
Bongani Zungu’s stoppage-time equaliser rescued South Africa after Ahmed Musa had put Nigeria ahead. Both sides created chances in a lively encounter, but Zungu’s composed finish ensured a share of the spoils.
SOUTH AFRICA 1–1 MAURITANIA
2 September, 2016 – AFCON Qualifier
South Africa ended their Nations Cup qualifying campaign with a draw against Mauritania. Hlompho Kekana equalised with a thunderous strike after Guidileye’s header had given the visitors the lead. Mauritania were reduced to ten men after Diakite’s red card, but Bafana Bafana failed to capitalise despite sustained late pressure.
SOUTH AFRICA 2–1 MOZAMBIQUE
17 November, 2022 – Friendly
Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored twice in three minutes as South Africa came from behind to beat Mozambique. Divrassone’s early strike shocked the hosts, but Hlongwane’s quickfire brace turned the game around.
SOUTH AFRICA 1–1 ANGOLA
20 November, 2022 – Friendly
Zakhele Lepasa’s penalty earned South Africa a draw after Zini’s early opener for Angola. In a physical encounter, both teams had chances to win it, but goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Marques were in excellent form.
