Bafana Bafana beat neighbours Zimbabwe in World Cup qualifier

The SA national senior team, Bafana Bafana secured an important win against Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifier match in Mangaung on Tuesday. The 3-1 win takes Bafana to second place in Group C, tied on seven points with Rwanda and Benin. 

They came into the match after playing to a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Uyo three days ago. 

ALSO READ: Piet Wiersma wins Comrades Marathon, Steyn sets new record

The Hugo Broos-coached side started the match like a house on fire and opened the scoring as early as the first minute through Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners. But the neighbours quickly responded with their own goal through Tawanda Chirewa two minutes later. 

South Africa have themselves to blame after missing clear-cut chances throughout the first half of the match. They continued where they left off in the second half, creating plenty of chances but did not capitalize. 

IMPORTANT WIN FOR BAFANA BAFANA AGAINST ZIMBABWE IN THE WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

The hosts finally scored a second through substitute Thapelo Morena, who converted from close range. Morena added his second of the night and a third for the host to secure the win. 

Bafana Bafana Line-Up: Williams (c), Mvala, Ngezana, Mudau, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Zwane, Appollis, Mokwana, Rayners. 

Substitutions: Mothwa, Goss, Mobbie, Mofokeng, Adams, Foster, Tau, Maswanganyi, Aubaas, Msimango, Sibisi, Morena.

Zimbabwe starting LINE-UP: 
Chitsumba, Lunga, Garananga, Takwara, Murwira, Hachiro, Munetsi (c), Rinomhota, Mapfumo, Chirewa, Musona.

Substitutions: Bernard, Hadebe, Zumura, Kadewere, Phuthi, Msendami, Mapisa, Galloway, Maroodza, Rushesha, Maswanhise, Machope.

Bafana Bafana’s next qualifier match will be at home against Lesotho in March 2025. In the other Group C match on Tuesday, Rwanda beat Lesotho 1-0 in Durban to go top of the log.