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Bafana’s WC hopes suffer blow after Zim draw

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Bafana Bafana chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a major blow after their goalless draw against Zimbabwe on Friday evening.

Bafana’s World Cup Hopes Dented After Stalemate

South Africa got off to a good start and produced the first chance of the game in the 14th minute when Khuliso Mudau picked out Sipho Mbule, who blazed his effort over the target.

Mbule had another opportunity to hand Bafana the lead halfwaythrough the first half when he unleashed a thunderous strike from distance but Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi made a great save to deny the midfielder.

Bafana should have taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Oswin Appollis picked out Mohau Nkota, who saw his curling effort crash off the woodwork.

Neither side were able to open the scoring in the first half as the game went into the break locked at 0-0.

Hugo Broos opted to ring changes at the restart when he introduced Bathusi Aubaas and Thapelo Morena to replace Sithole and Nkota.

The Warriors were reduced to 10-men in the 63rd minute when Knowledge Musona received his marching orders for a second yellow card of the match.

Broos made two more substitutions after 80 minutes when Appollis and Modiba were replaced by Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa.

South Africa came close to taking the lead in the 83rd minute but Lyle Foster hit the post with his low drive at goal.

Zimbabwe had a few chances to grab a late goal but Ronwen Williams came to South Africa’s aid to deny the Warriors.

Mbule and Mokoena had a chance to score the winning goal for Bafana in the closing stages of the game but Arubi did well to deny the midfielders.

Bafana were down to 10-men deep into stoppage time when Mbokazi was shown a red card, which seemed to be the last action of play as the game ended goalless in Durban.