Matchday 9 results *Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa *Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria *Rwanda 0-1 Benin South Africa needed to beat Zimbabwe to kee
Matchday 9 results
*Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa
*Lesotho 0-1 Nigeria
*Rwanda 0-1 Benin
South Africa needed to beat Zimbabwe to keep in touch with the leaders, Benin, but failed as they secured only a point at the Moses Madiba Stadium in Durban.
Tondela midfielder Sphephelo Sithole marked his return to the Bafana Bafana starting lineup, joined by fellow recalls Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, and Aubrey Modiba, who did not start the previous encounter against Nigeria.
South Africa began the match with intent, dominating early exchanges. Sipho Mbule nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful long-range effort that forced a sharp save from Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Washington Arubi.
The Warriors gradually found their rhythm, with the deadly trio Khama Billiat, Marshall Munetsi, and Knowledge Musona pushing forward. Despite their efforts, they failed to seriously test Ronwen Williams between the sticks.
Just before halftime, Bafana came agonizingly close again when Mohau Nkota’s curling left-footed strike from outside the box struck the upright. Nkota was substituted at the break for Thapelo Morena, while Bathusi Aubaas replaced Sithole in a tactical double switch.
Ten minutes into the second half, Lyle Foster carved out a golden opportunity, racing through on goal and setting up a shot that was heroically cleared off the line by Teenage Hadebe.
South Africa continued to apply pressure, with Mudau nearly converting a low cross from the right, only for Arubi to close down the angle swiftly.
Zimbabwe’s hopes took a hit in the 63rd minute when Musona was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Sibisi.
Foster remained a threat late on, striking the upright once more with a precise side-footed attempt from the right flank.
In the dying moments, the match saw further drama as Mbekezeli Mbokzi was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident.
Despite Bafana’s dominance and numerical advantage, the match ended 0-0, leaving South Africa’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
In other games in the group, Super Eagles won 2-1 against Lesotho to keep their slim hopes alive. After a disappointing goalless draw in the first half, the second half got off to a good start with Skipper William Trost-Ekong’s penalty in the 55th minute, ensuring that Eric Chelle’s Nigeria will take the lead. Sevilla’s forward Akor Adams added the all-important second goal in the 80th minute to put the game beyond the home side’s reach.
Hlompho Kalake pulled one back for Lesotho in the 83rd minute, but it was too late for them to stage a comeback. Nigeria protected their lead and recorded an important victory.
Benin at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali defeated Rwanda 1-0 thanks to Aiyegun Tosin’s 80th-minute strike. Gernot Rohr’s side will need a win at home against Nigeria to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
League Table with just one round to end
Matchday 10 fixtures on
*Monday 13th October
Lesotho v Zimbabwe
* Tuesday 14th October
Nigeria v Benin
South Africa v Rwanda
* All games will kick off at 4 pm
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