Soccer
Bafana take a big step towards the 2026 Fifa World Cup─── MORGAN PIEK 08:49 Sat, 22 Mar 2025
Bafana Bafana took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup with a crucial win in their Group C qualifier against Lesotho in Polokwane. on Friday.
South Africa moved to the top of Group C with ten points after securing a 2-0 victory over Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, putting them in a strong position ahead of their away match against Benin in Ivory Coast.
In another key Group C match on Friday, Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali, putting the Super Eagles back in contention. This result could make the upcoming qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria in Bloemfontein even more decisive later this year.
Jayden Adams. Photo: X
The clash in Polokwane was deadlocked at 0-0 at half-time, with both teams sizing each other up in the opening 45 minutes. However, South Africa created four goal-scoring opportunities in the first half.
The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark when Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net to give South Africa the lead with his first international goal. Just four minutes later, the returning Jayden Adams doubled the advantage, scoring what was also his first-ever international goal.
This was enough for South Africa to secure three valuable points and further improve their already positive goal difference. After the match, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said the team had to make some tactical adjustments at half-time to ensure victory.
“We had four good chances in the first half but didn’t score, so we corrected a few things and started very well in the second half,” said Broos.
“The most important thing is that we got the win and secured three points. It was crucial for us today. We knew it would be a tough game against a team that simply didn’t want to lose.”
Broos added preparation and recovery would be key to ensuring they secure six points during the Fifa international break.
“We now have to focus on Tuesday’s game against Benin. It will be just as tough, although different from today. If we prepare well and deliver the same performance, I believe we can win.”
?? Relebohile Mofokeng announces himself with his first Bafana goal! ??????
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) March 21, 2025
pic.twitter.com/HauGApXjQh
Tuesday’s away qualifier between Benin and South Africa will take place at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, kicking off at 18:00.
OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg
