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The South African men's national soccer team received a rapturous and electric applause on their arrival at the OR Tambo International on Wednesday morning despite their early return.
Bafana Bafana arrived back from the Ivory Coast after finishing third in the 2023 African Cup of Nations that was won by the hosts on Sunday.
Bafana did well to go as far as they did after losing the opening game to Mali (2-0). They bounced back to beat Namibia (4-0) and drew against Tunisia (0-0) to finish second in their group.
They then produced their best performance of the tournament when they beat Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16, from where they beat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties after the game finished goalless after extra time in the quarterfinals.
They exited the tournament at the semi-final stage with a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Nigeria after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.
They secured their first AFCON medal in 24 years when they beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties after their game ended goalless after full-time.
Bafana was supposed to arrive at 04:00, but their flight was delayed by an hour and a bit, a delay that was more than enough for a big crowd to build up.
There were plenty of Economic Freedom Fighters supporters, some of whom had arrived at 22:00 on Tuesday night in attendance.
Football fans, disadvantaged by the early arrival, started trickling in just after 05:30, from where the crowd swelled up significantly.
There were also serious dignitaries in attendance, with the EFF's top brass in Julius Malema, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, and Dali Mpofu there to welcome Ronwen Williams' charges.
Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa and senior members of his department in Sumayya Khan and Max Fuzani were also in attendance, as were Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
When the team stepped through the arrivals gate in Terminal A just after 06:00, they were greeted with wails and screams of joy by an expectant crowd, with Williams and coach Hugo Broos coming through the gate first, followed by the players and the rest of the team.
The players carried tired but contented faces as they held court in a live broadcast that ran for an hour before moving into the media room for a short press conference before departing.
The team got on a bus and dispersed to their various clubs, from where they'll regather again next month for a friendly against Algeria in Algiers.
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Kodwa: "Thank you Ronwen. Thank you Broos. We will welcome Nigeria back here in June for the WC qualifiers."
Revenge in mind minister?? Hahaha ...
14 February 06:07
A beautiful moment between the Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa as he hands over the flag of South Africa to Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams.
Kodwa: "Halala Bafana. This is a bunch of winners"
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14 February 05:48
Just last week Julius Malema and his EFF political party were not allowed to attend the State of the Nation Address, but today, they are out in full force and voice!
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An unexpectedly joyous crowd awaited Bafana Bafana at the OR Tambo International in Kempton Park on Wednesday morning as they arrived back from the Ivory Coast after their unexpectedly successful 2023 African Cup of Nations sojourn.
The men's national soccer team finished third in the recently concluded continental tournament, beating the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties after their third place play-off ended goalless after full time.
South Africa reached the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time in 24 years after finishing second in their group, from where they proceeded to eject Morocco and Cape Verde in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively.
They lost 4-2 on penalties to perennial Afcon bogey side Nigeria after their game ended 1-1 after extra time. Bafana left the Ivory Coast on Tuesday night and are expected to arrive anytime now
13 February 23:16
News24 senior reporter Khanyiso Tshwaku will be on the ground, delivering a pound for pound narrative of Bafana Bafana's arrival.
13 February 23:14
13 February 23:11
While it is expected that there won't be a huge crowd, the Gautrain has made life a little easier with free access to their transportation for those interested.
13 February 23:07
Touching down with bronze medals adorning their necks, Bafana Bafana returns home, champions in their own right.
Alongside their coveted third-place finish, they carry the CAF Fair Play award, a testament to their sportsmanship and valour.
Captain Ronwen Williams adds to the glory, crowned Best Goalkeeper, a beacon of his excellence between the posts, especially his stunning four penalty saves against Cape Verde.
13 February 23:00
Amid the predawn hours, OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg eagerly anticipates the arrival of the South African football team as they land at 04:00.
Their triumphant return from a memorable Afcon journey, securing third place with a thrilling penalty shootout victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a testament to their grit, passion and, most importantly, determination, as the odds were always stacked against them.
