South Africa Defeat Benin Republic, Inch Closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup
- South Africa have strengthened their position in the race for an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Bafana Bafana defeated Benin Republic at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan to inch closer to the ticket
- Zimbabwe forced the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Uyo, as the Nigerian side risk missing out on another edition of the global showpiece
South Africa have made a strong statement in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket following their 2-0 win over Benin Republic on Tuesday evening.
Bafana Bafana eased past Gernor Rohr's side inside the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Tuesday night.
It had ended goalless in the first half, Lyle Fosterbroke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when he put his side ahead in the 53rd minute.
Source: Getty Images
Nkosinathi Sibisi unleashed an audacious long-range ball from nearly 45 yards out, finding Basadien, who collected with ease on the left flank.
The Stellenbosch left-back squared the ball towards Foster and with the feintest of touches, beat his defender and the goalkeeper. The ball deflects off the upright and over the goalline to give Bafana a deserved lead.
Jayden Adams made it two for Hugo Broos' side as South Africa ensured they claim all three points, cementing their place at the top of the group, News 24 reports.
Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were forced to a draw by hard-fighting brave Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
After defeating Rwanda on Friday, the three-time African champions failed to capitalise on their winning as they dropped points yet again.
It had ended goalless in the first half, but Victor Osimhen sent the fans into the wilds when he headed home in the 74th minute to give Nigeria the lead.
However, the home fans were heartbroken after Tawanda Chirewa struck in the 90th minute as both teams shared the spoils.
Source: Getty Images
Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho
Meanwhile, Rwanda were also forced to a draw by Lesotho at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Both teams were inseparable in the first half, but the Amavubi had opened the scoring in the 58th minute courtesy of a Jojea Kwizera strike.
Lehlohonolo Fothoane restored parity for the visitors in the 82nd minute to force a draw.
CAF qualification Group C standings
With 13 points from six games, South Africa now comfortably leads the group, with Rwanda (8 points) and Benin (8 points) still chasing.
Nigeria (7), Lesotho (5), and Zimbabwe (3) remain in contention, but Bafana's destiny is firmly in their own hands as they edge closer to the grand stage in 2026, per ESPN.
South Africa risk losing 3 points
Legit.ng earlier reported that South Africa are in danger of forfeiting three points in their quest for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to fielding an ineligible player in their match against Lesotho.
Despite leading Group C, the team included Teboho Mokoena in their starting eleven for the game.
However, it later emerged that the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was not eligible to play in the encounter.
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Source: Legit.ng
