{
  "id": 20154816,
  "title": "Bafana Bafana’s character to be tested in final Afcon qualifiers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/bafana-bafanas-character-to-be-tested-in-final-afcon-qualifiers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/bafana/2026-11-15-bafana-bafanas-character-to-be-tested-in-final-afcon-qualifiers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, coach Pitso Mosimane is confident his team will still qualify for the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) next year, despite the character of the team being tested in the final three qualifiers. The team currently sits atop Group D with seven points, just a single point ahead of Guinea. However, they did drop two crucial points at home to co-hosts Kenya on Friday night, leaving their lead vulnerable.\n\nMosimane admits that two goals is not enough to secure a victory, nor is playing good football or having ball possession enough to win games. He believes that taking chances and being clinical in front of goal are essential. The coach is determined that Bafana wants to qualify the hard way, but for him, it's to remain at the top of the standings and finish where they are.\n\nMosimane acknowledges that qualifying for Afcon will be challenging, as Kenya is also in the group and has already secured their spot by being co-hosts. He knows it will put the players to the test, especially after failing to be clinical up front in their previous match. However, he has faith in the team's experience of dealing with tricky situations before, such as qualifying for the World Cup despite being deducted three points.\n\nMosimane believes the team has enough character to overcome this challenge and qualifies for their third consecutive Afcon finals.",
  "summary": "Coach Pitso Mosimane insists Bafana remain on track for Afcon, backing his squad’s proven grit to rebound from Friday’s frustrating home draw against Kenya.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Mosimane urges Bafana to focus on qualifying for AFCON",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/mosimane-urges-bafana-to-focus-on-qualifying-for-afcon",
        "published": "2026-11-15T09:25:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}