FIFA World Cup qualifier: South Africa vs Nigeria – Bafana Bafana player ratings

South Africa and Nigeria shared the spoils in an entertaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier staged at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday night.

Williams Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net to give the hosts a deserved lead. However, Calvin Bassey scored in favour of the Super Eagles to ensure the match ended 1-1.

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. who shone for Mzansi?

Bafana Bafana player ratings

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams 5/10

The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper didn't have much to do as his defenders shielded him well. Could have done better with positioning to stop the cross that led to Bassey's goal.

Right-Back: Zuko Mdunyelwa 6/10

Another Masandawana player who got his chance owing to the absence of Khuliso Mudau and an injury to Nyiko Mobbie. Was forced off with an injury in the 63rd minute for Thabiso Monyane but had underlined his worth with solid defending.

Left-Back: Samukelo Kabini 5/10

He was not so convincing in early exchanges as he struggled to defend attacks from the right. Shouls have done better to stop Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from delivering a costly cross.

Centre-Back: Mbekezeli Mbokazi 8/10

A beginner can't believe the 19-year-old has played just his fourth game for the senior team. He shone against experienced players and made some vital interventions. Mbokazi could have scored a beauty, only that his effort went over the bar with Stanley Nwabali beaten.

Centre-Back: Siyabonga Ngezana 7/10

The FCSB centre-back used his experience to ensure he shielded the goalkeeper well. Despite an early yellow card, he showed massive composure to help Bafana get a point.

Central Midfielder: Bathusi Aubaas 6.5/10

Aubaas was selected over Thalente Mbatha, and he justified his inclusion with neat passes and cover for Mokoena. He kept it simple.

Central Midfelder: Teboho Mokoena 7.5/10

Mokoena is Bafana Bafana's engine; dictated the tempo effectively and picked Mohau Nkota who forced Troost-Ekong to score an own goal.

Attacking Midfielder: Sipho Mbule 7/10

Mbule was an after-thought to the squad following Patrick Maswanganyi's injury. His physique, ball control and eye for key passes must have won Hugo Broos' heart. Surely, he has to be considered for Afcon if he remains consistent.

Right-Winger: Mohau Nkota 7.5/10

He was a menace on the right wing, ready to run and caused all sorts of problems. His low cross forced Troost-Ekong to score an own goal.

Left-Winger: Oswin Appollis 6.5

The Pirates attacker had an impressive start, and was even unlucky not to score as Nwabali stopped his goal-destined strike. Faded as the game wore on.

Forward: Lyle Foster 5.5/10

The Burnley striker was well-marked by the defenders, and didn't find enough spaces to deliver. It was a quiet night per his standards.

Substitutions

Thabiso Monyane 5.5/10

The rigt-back replaced Mdunyelwa and did just enough in the last 30 minutes or so to help Bafana get something from the match.

Thalente Mbatha N/A

Came in with six minutes to go, didn't have much time to make a significant impact.

Kamogelo Sebelebele and Iqraam Rayners N/A

Just like Mbatha, they came in late.