US EditionBafana Bafana’s World Cup Hopes Dim After Goalless Draw with 10-Man Zimbabwe
South Africa drew 0-0 with 10-man Zimbabwe, leaving them second in Group C and requiring a must-win against Rwanda to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive, officials said.
- At Moses Mabhida Stadium, Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by the Zimbabwe national football team on Friday, leaving their World Cup hopes hanging.
- Trailing by two points, South Africa must beat Rwanda on Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium to reclaim control, as Benin Republic's win has complicated their qualification path.
- Despite sustained pressure, South Africa's shots were kept out by Washington Arubi, while multiple efforts hit the woodwork or were cleared off the line, including Lyle Foster and Mohau Nkota.
- Frustrations boiled over as Knowledge Musona, Zimbabwe captain, was sent off after two yellows, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, South Africa central defender, received a red, suspending him for Tuesday.
- The debate centres on the 'Eritrea Rule' and tie-break mechanics, with Nigerian media personality Femi Oguntayo described as calling South Africa's result a 'calculated manoeuvre'.
16 Articles
16 Articles
2026 WCQ: It's no longer in our hands, we need miracle - South Africa coach, Broos
The head coach of South Africa, Hugo Broos, has admitted they need “a miracle” to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Broos was speaking to reporters after their 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe on Friday night. The result keeps Bafana Bafana in second place in Group C, two points behind leaders Benin Republic. South Africa are just one point ahead of Nigeria, who beat Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane. “Now, it’s no longer in our hands,” Broos said. “It becomes even …
'Lack of agency': Bafana supporters left frustrated by Zim
Bafana Bafana supporters were left frustrated during the first half in their must-win World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. Hugo Broos’ men came into the match knowing nothing but a win would put them in a good position. Playing at a packed Moses Mbahida Stadium, Bafana saw much of the ball in the opening 10 minutes but failed to penetrate the stubborn Zimbabwean defence. The Warriors grew into the game and had several shots at goal, testing Row…
South Africa v Rwanda – World Cup 2026 Qualifier Preview
South Africa and Rwanda meet in a critical World Cup 2026 qualifier at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday. To stand any chance of making it to the finals, South Africa must win and then hope other results in Group C go their way. Group C Permutations South Africa have made life difficult for themselves after an administrative error cost them 3 points earlier in the campaign, and they then failed to beat a 10-man Zimbabwe side in Durban …
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