ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST - March 25, 2025, marked a determined effort by South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, as they secured a 2-0 victory against Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match, held at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, solidified South Africa's position at the top of Group C.
Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, three changes were made to the starting lineup after their previous match victory over Lesotho. Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, and Thapelo Morena were brought in, while Teboho Mokoena was left out of the matchday squad. South Africa enjoyed greater possession and time in Benin's half during the first half but found themselves struggling to convert that possession into concrete scoring chances. Prominent players like Percy Tau and Lyle Foster were active in pushing forward but could not find the net before halftime, leaving the score 0-0.
The second half, however, saw a turning point when Lyle Foster netted the game's first goal just eight minutes after the resumption. He calmly finished a low cross from Fawaaz Basadien, who had made an impressive run down the left side. Foster’s shot squeezed past Benin's goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou, and found the back of the net, taking the scoreboard to 1-0.
Despite the setback, the hosts, known as the Squirrels, attempted to reverse the score, applying some pressure; however, South Africa's defense, including a solid performance from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, managed to absorb the pressure effectively. In a strategic move, Broos substituted Tau for Adams, who proved instrumental in securing the win. In the 84th minute, Adams capitalized on a well-placed free kick from Oswin Appollis and deftly headed it into the far corner, solidifying the score at 2-0.
This win marked an important moment for Bafana Bafana as it brought them to 13 points after six matches, opening up a five-point lead over second-placed Rwanda, who are tied with Benin in the group standings at eight points. Meanwhile, Nigeria drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe in Uyo, further complicating their path towards qualification.
However, just as the celebration started, news broke that South Africa might be facing a setback due to fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their previous win against Lesotho. If proven, this could result in a three-point deduction, potentially changing the dynamic of the group standings.
In Uyo, Nigeria's push for a World Cup slot saw Victor Osimhen scoring a goal in the 74th minute, putting Nigeria ahead against Zimbabwe. Yet, a last-minute goal by Tawanda Chirewa in the 90th minute left Nigeria with a disappointing draw, pushing them sixth points behind South Africa.
Victory was essential for Nigeria, who had seen their World Cup hopes dim after missing out on the Qatar finals in 2022. With only nine group winners advancing directly, the pressure on Nigeria intensifies as they sit fourth in Group C, realizing only the best second-placed teams get a chance for requalification.
Meanwhile, the World Cup fever is building, with excitement around Group C as South Africa continues to dominate. The next round of matches kicks off in September, where South Africa is set to face Lesotho away and Nigeria at home, while Benin will host Zimbabwe.
As the tournament unfolds, teams remain aware that matches can turn in an instant. The drama of football holds the promise of surprises and the chance for redemption. The battles for qualification continue, with South Africa currently on track but remaining wary of potential penalties against them. Every future match will be crucial in shaping a pathway toward the coveted World Cup trophy.
With the next qualifiers looming, South Africa aims to maintain their momentum as they chase a place in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Benin, Nigeria, and others will need to recalibrate their strategies to keep their hopes alive in the highly competitive path to the finals. The stakes are higher than ever as the clock ticks down towards the qualifiers.
