Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his players wanted to make a statement and prove themselves against Congo Brazzaville in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

South Africa proved too strong for Congo after claiming a comfortable 5-0 victory in their AFCON qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

A brace from Teboho Mokoena and goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners saw Bafana walk away with all three points.

Broos’ charges now find themselves sitting in second place in Group K with seven points from three games ahead of their upcoming clash against the same opponents on Tuesday.

“I think that it was amazing, the way we started the game, the way we played football. This was something that I always wanted to see from this team, and we did it also in the AFCON (in the beginning of the year in Côte d’Ivoire),” Broos told Safa.

“But today it was really fantastic. Many goals, five goals, good football, modern football, forward football, high rhythm in the game. And it shows again what a group of players I have. A group of players I’m very proud of, and I have said it also already before. But those guys know when they have to perform.

“We had a little decompression in September, and we talked about it. And then you see the reaction today. Those guys wanted to make a statement, and they made a statement with good football. But it’s only three points and next Tuesday we have another game. Those five goals don’t count, so we have to prepare ourselves.”