Chicago Fire defeated Atlanta United 3-2 in the Major Soccer League on Sunday morning at Mercedes Benz Stadium thanks to the efforts of Bafana Bafana duo Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane.

Dithejane entered the game in the 68th minute, but Mbokazi, who had just returned from injury, started and played for the full ninety minutes.

With 31 games played, 15 wins, 10 losses, and six draws, the victory moved Gregg Berhalter team into sixth place with 51 points.

Chicago fell behind in the fourth minute when Tomás Jacob opened the scoring, but the visitors fought back and equalised through Anton Salétros in the 30th minute.

Anzor Mekvabishvili put Chicago ahead 2-1 in the 51st minute, while Philip Zinckernagel extended their advantage to 3-1 nine minutes later.

Breel Embolo reduced the deficit for the home side in the 67th minute, but Chicago managed to protect their lead and secure a valuable away victory.

The victory also provided a confidence boost for Mbokazi and Dithejane, who have both been included in Pitso Mosimane preliminary squad for South Africa two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Kenya next month.

The former Orlando Pirates captain is set to return to the national team setup for the first time since the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas, having previously been sidelined by injury.

Meanwhile, Dithejane recently made his mark by scoring the only goal in South Africa 1-0 friendly victory over Egypt in Cairo.

The two South African players performed well in the victory.

Source: iDiskiTimes.co.za

iDiskiTimesTV

Link:https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/sa-stars-abroad/mbokazi-puso-help-chicago-to-5-goal-thriller-comeback-win/