South Africa and Benin strengthened their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes on Friday with vital victories that keep Nigeria’s Super Eagles under mounting pressure in the race for a ticket to the global showpiece.
In Bloemfontein, South Africa proved too strong for Lesotho, cruising to a 3-0 win.
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Mohau Nkota broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, before Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis struck in the second half to seal a commanding performance for Bafana Bafana.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams also impressed, pulling off key saves to deny Lesotho at crucial moments.
The win moves South Africa to 16 points from seven matches, keeping them firmly in contention at the top of the group.
Coach Hugo Broos’ side continues to display a fine balance between defensive discipline and clinical finishing.
In Abidjan, Benin edged Zimbabwe 1-0 courtesy of Steve Mounié’s 77th-minute goal.
The victory lifts the Cheetahs to 11 points and second place in the group, bolstering their qualification chances.
Friday’s results all but end the hopes of Lesotho and Zimbabwe, widening the gap between the leading contenders and Nigeria.
The Super Eagles, with nine points, now trail South Africa by seven and Benin by two, making their path increasingly difficult.
The pressure is on Nigeria ahead of their home clash in Uyo on Saturday.
A slip could prove disastrous, with their decisive showdown against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday shaping up as a must-win encounter.
Anything less than maximum points may render the final qualification window meaningless for the three-time African champions as they are faced with the possibility of missing back to back FIFA World Cup.
