Bafana Bafana star, Thalente Mbatha sent social media into a frenzy with his match winning efforts against South Sudan on Tuesday afternoon.
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Orlando Pirates midfielder, Thalente Mbatha ignited social media with his second goal in as many games for Bafana Bafana!
Mbatha delivered another moment of heroism for South Africa, scoring a dramatic late winner to clinch a 3-2 victory over South Sudan in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Juba Stadium on Tuesday.
Although the Bright Stars appeared to have clinched a 2-2 draw, substitute Mbatha once again made the difference in injury time, just as he did in the 2-2 draw against Uganda last Friday.
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Watch the goal:
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 10, 2024
?????: Thalente Mbatha with an essential goal for Bafana Bafana!
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His late goal secured Bafana Bafana's first win of the AFCON qualifiers, propelling them to join the Cranes at the top of Group K with four points from a possible six.
Here are some of the best reactions to Mbatha's heroics for Bafana, with many calling for Broos to start the 24-year-old in Bafana's next game against Congo Brazzaville in October:
When Mbatha's parents named him, they saw the vision. I yes them ????
— ???????? ?????????? (@MphoMaboi_) September 10, 2024
Two Goals in two matches for Thalente Mbatha in Bafana Bafana colours
— SHELDON ? (@Sheldon_RS17) September 10, 2024
The similarities in the two goals ???? pic.twitter.com/87cvkkXtAL
We are going to lose Mbhatha before the end of season aren't we????????????????????
— Lorch's Wife???? (@DineoManamela1) September 10, 2024
They should be starting for Bafana Bafana#BafanaBafana #mbatha #mofokeng pic.twitter.com/xtDbjEyQ4s
— Victoria (@JVLekama) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha to his Bafana Bafana teammates pic.twitter.com/ln8PZXyeiG
— Jay Mngomezulu (@Jay_Mzulu) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha this international break #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/O7Y2HPJL8m
— Thulaganyo M ?? (@OneboysGranson) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha. Remember the name ???? https://t.co/qs8AXJd5dF pic.twitter.com/pTJsYTkEN2
— MR ELLE (@MrElleSA) September 10, 2024
All hail General, Thalente Mbatha! ?? pic.twitter.com/GNKlKhcXBT
— STAR. (@makwande_m) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha scores with his weak foot again pic.twitter.com/604d9O4foi
— MuziBucs (@MuziBucs) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha won us 4 points in this international break??????
— Mphatso (@JustMphatso) September 10, 2024
The roar I let out when Thalente Mbatha's shot hit the back of the net...
— Thatishi (@thatishi) September 10, 2024
Madala Broos has got me fully locked-in on Bafana.
Thalente Mbatha appreciation ?????? pic.twitter.com/GMgpdXauPq
— L E S E D I (@_Hybreed_) September 10, 2024
You can tell ukuthi Thalente Mbatha plays for Pirates, last minute winners are synonymous with that FC??????
— MehlokaZulu (@thulasizwe) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha must be protected..his goals are insane ..The goosebumps damn.. he should be trending nonstop.. bro usually score important and crucial goals????
— ???????????????????????????? (@Gee_ZA_) September 10, 2024
No unnecessary Hype just pure football.. Reminds me of Valverde ..Click Click bang! pic.twitter.com/Vp5U516PPW
Thalente Mbatha is our breadwinner!!
— MASS COUNTRY (@sleezy_season) September 10, 2024
Cometh the hour, Cometh the man. Thalente Mbatha is clutch bafethu ???? pic.twitter.com/2W0xUMPHPS
— His Excellency (@eemz_em) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha even without those two goals looks a top player (international standard).
— bhekithemba zwane (@bhekiz1) September 11, 2024
Thalente Mbatha is an exceptionally talented young man. No pun intended ??
— BINNY (@kdbnmahasane) September 10, 2024
Thalente Mbatha ????????????????????
— Tsonga King???? (@NtateWilliams) September 10, 2024
We're not worthy. What a player. pic.twitter.com/jqEaRTmBV6
Thalente Mbatha will always be famous!!! ?????? thank you Bafana Bafana ??????
— Benedictor???? (@TheRealNthabi_) September 10, 2024
