South Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit a pothole on Friday night as Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Zimbabwe outfit at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Despite bossing possession and playing against ten men for the final half-hour, Hugo Broos’ men couldn’t find the killer touch. The result leaves South Africa’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, and the pressure is now sky-high heading into the Rwanda clash.
The build-up was already tense. Earlier in the week, SAFA’s administrative blunder saw Bafana docked three points for fielding Tebogo Mokoena while suspended. That error turned this fixture into a must-win. But the hosts couldn’t convert dominance into goals.
Sipho Mbule was the heartbeat early on, threading a gorgeous ball to Lyle Foster in the first half. Foster turned sharply and beat Washington Arubi, but Devine Lunga’s last-ditch clearance on the line silenced the celebrations.
MUSONA SEES RED
The game tilted in Bafana’s favour when Zimbabwe’s veteran striker Knowledge Musona saw red for a reckless challenge on Nkosinathi Sibisi. But even with the numerical advantage, South Africa lacked bite in the final third.
Foster came closest in the 82nd minute, rattling the upright after a slick move involving Thapelo Morena. That was the moment. It didn’t fall.
Then came a moment of youthful frustration. With seconds left, Mbokazi lost his cool, retaliating after a shove and earning a second yellow. He will miss the Rwanda game a costly lapse in judgment.
Zimbabwe, already out of the running, parked the bus and managed the clock expertly. Their discipline frustrated Bafana, who now sit three points behind Benin after their 1-0 win over Rwanda. Nigeria also climbed into the mix with a 2-1 win over Lesotho, just one point behind South Africa.
Next Stop: Mbombela
It’s all or nothing now. Bafana Bafana face Rwanda in Mbombela next week. Win, and the dream lives. Drop points, and the World Cup train may leave without them.
Group C: Permutations Match Day 10
- On the final match day Benin will qualify for the world cup should they win against Nigeria.
- Benin could qualify with a draw should South Africa fail to win against Rwanda.
- South Africa will qualify for the World Cup should they defeat Rwanda and Benin lose to Nigeria.
- Nigeria will qualify should they defeat Benin and South Africa fail to win against Rwanda, Nigeria will need to beat Benin by 3 or more goals
