Ghana’s Black Galaxies lost to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, but there was a lot of positivity from the defeat, because they played gallantly.
Ghana’s Black Galaxies faced a defeat against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, but there were many positive takeaways from the match, as the team played valiantly. In this competitive international friendly at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, South Africa secured a 1-0 victory over Ghana.
This match served as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025, with Ghana honing its skills in anticipation of the CHAN qualifiers. From the start of the match, Bafana Bafana dominated the midfield, controlling 66% of possession and creating numerous opportunities.
However, despite the pressure, the first half ended scoreless due to the Black Galaxies’ strong defensive performance. After halftime, South Africa intensified their efforts and continued to search for a breakthrough. Midfielder Sipho Mbule finally broke the deadlock in the second half with a well-placed strike, taking advantage of South Africa’s sustained dominance throughout the match and securing a vital clean-sheet victory for coach Hugo Broos’ team.
This warm-up match provided important momentum for South Africa as they prepare for AFCON, validating their high-pressure system under the guidance of the Belgian tactician. Ghana, on the other hand, managed to counterattack occasionally, creating moments of promise but ultimately struggling against the solid Bafana Bafana defense.
Coach Kassim Mingle Ocansey praised the match as an “invaluable test” against a top-tier opponent, emphasizing the need for improvement in the attacking aspects of his team as they gear up for the upcoming CHAN campaign.
Both teams left the match with renewed purpose: South Africa well-prepared for the spotlight in Morocco, and the Black Galaxies battle-hardened for domestic redemption.