Sports Minister congratulates Bafana Bafana: beat Libya, qualify for 2019 AFCON

“Bafana Bafana have done us proud. Winning away from home in a crucial game is no small feat. I hope they continue with this fighting spirit in Egypt,” Xasa said.

Sports Minister Thokozile Xasa has congratulated Bafana Bafana for booking a seat to the 2019 African Cup of Nations Group (AFCON).

Last night, the national team beat Libya 2-1 in their AFCON Group E qualifier in a challenging game that was hosted in Sfax, Tunisia.

Bafana finished second in Group E -- just a point behind Nigeria.

"Bafana Bafana have done us proud. Winning away from home in a crucial game is no small feat. I hope they continue with this fighting spirit in Egypt," Xasa said.

The men's football senior team joins five other national teams that will be doing duty this year -- the Cricket Proteas, Banyana Banyana, Amajita, Netball Proteas and the Springboks.

"As a nation, we are proud of our teams. As ambassadors, they will be flying our flag high and uniting our people.

"I call upon all South Africans to rally behind our national teams. The sport continues to be a major uniting factor in our nation. Once more, let me congratulate our coach Stuart Baxter and Bafana Bafana for flying our flag high," Xasa said.

The 2019 AFCON will be hosted by Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

(With Inputs from South African Government Press Release)