South Africa and Benin picked up important victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday, tightening the race in Group C and piling more pressure on the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
In Bloemfontein, Bafana Bafana eased past Lesotho 3-0 in front of their home fans. Mohau Nkota gave Hugo Broos’ side the lead in the 14th minute with a fine left-footed strike after cutting in from the right.
South Africa continued to dominate and were denied on several occasions by Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, who pulled off key saves to keep the scoreline close. But the hosts pulled away after the restart.
Just after the hour mark, Lyle Foster doubled the advantage with a composed finish inside the box. Four minutes later, Oswin Appollis sealed the win with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside from the left before firing past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
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Lesotho threatened briefly in the second half, with Kananelo Rapuleng and Motebang Sera forcing saves from Ronwen Williams, but South Africa remained solid at the back to secure all three points.
Meanwhile in Ivory Coast, Benin earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe thanks to a 77th-minute header from Steve Mounié. The Brest striker rose highest to meet Yohan Roche’s cross and powered the ball beyond the goalkeeper for the decisive goal.
Zimbabwe had earlier come close from set pieces and long-range efforts, but Benin’s defence held firm and the hosts eventually found the breakthrough in front of their jubilant supporters.
The results significantly reshape Group C. South Africa, who play Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, now top the group with 16 points. Benin sit second with 11 points, while the Super Eagles are fourth with 7 points after a shaky start to their qualifying campaign.
That leaves Eric Chelle’s men under pressure ahead of Saturday’s clash against Rwanda in Uyo. Only a victory will keep the Super Eagles within touching distance of their rivals in the race for the group’s only automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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