Almost! South Africa close to 2026 FIFA World Cup despite sharing spoils with Nigeria

Published on by

Almost! South Africa close to 2026 FIFA World Cup despite sharing spoils with Nigeria
Image - SAFA

South Africa and Nigeria have played to a 1-1 draw in Group C's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier staged at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

The Super Eagles came into the match aware that they needed maximum points to stand a chance of playing in the biggest football competition in the world that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Troost-Ekong's Own Goal & Bassey's Header ends first stanza even

The hosts were composed in the early exchanges, with Oswin Appollis and Mohau Nkota causing all sorts of problems on the left and right wings respectively. However, Nigeria pressed with every opportunity they got in their bid to put the team under pressure.

The Super Eagles were forced to make an early change inside the opening seven minutes when Ola Aina was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury, paving the way for Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Bafana Bafana's best chance came in the 18th minute; Osayi Samuel lost possesion in the danger zone to Appollis who made a space for himself before forcing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to an excellent save to keep the scoreline 0-0.

It was just a matter of time before the hosts scored. A well-executed counter attack, in the 24th minute, ended with Teboho Mokoena an inch-perfect pass to the in-form Nkota. The 20-year-old's low cross was not an easy one to defend, and William Troost-Ekong, unfortunately, turned the ball into his own net to make it 1-0 in favour of South Africa.

Despite playing on the back foot, the Super Eagles somhow managed to get an equaliser in the 44th minute. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru beat Samukelo Kabini before crossing in, and Calvin Bassey rose highest to head home to ensure the first half ended 1-1.

No more goals in the second half

It was the visitors who started the second half stronger hoping to get the second goal and put the home side under pressure.

Bafana Bafana were fortunate not to concede in the 50th minute when substitute Toluwalase Arokodare left his marker for dead, but his inviting cross missed someone to connect it.

In-form Kaizer Chiefs right-back Thabiso Monyane got his chance to impress in the 63rd minute when he came on for the injured Zuko Mdunyelwa.

Lyle Foster did well to win the ball ahead of Bassey in the 80th minute, but with no support, he failed to hit the target under the pressure from the versatile Fulham defender who recovered well after the initial defensive lapse.

Spoils were eventually shared but it is Bafana Bafana who are almost certain of getting Group C's ticket. They are on 17 points from eight rounds, six points more than second-placed Nigeria.

If Benin lose against Lesotho, South Africa will need a point from the last two matches to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

You May Also Like