In a riveting display of skill and determination, South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, overpowered Lesotho with a 3-0 triumph in their Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday evening. With this decisive victory, Bafana Bafana strengthened their position at the top of the group, maintaining a five-point lead over second-placed Benin, who also secured a win against Zimbabwe in a concurrent match.
However, the night was not without setbacks for the South African side. Just six minutes into the match, Nyiko Mobbie sustained a head injury, leading to necessary substitutions as Zuko Mdunyelwa stepped onto the pitch to fill his role. Despite the early disruption, South Africa quickly regrouped and launched an impressive offensive.
It was just past the quarter-hour mark when the home side took the lead, with Mohau Nkota showcasing extraordinary poise to score his first goal for the senior national team. He expertly connected with a lofted cross from Aubrey Modiba, sending the ball into the back of the net, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter.
The remainder of the first half was marred by a series of fouls that disrupted both teams’ rhythms, but Bafana Bafana maintained their well-deserved one-goal advantage heading into the halftime break.
As the second half unfolded, Lesotho found themselves facing another injury setback early on, as Thabo Moloisane also succumbed to a head injury. Khulumani Ndamane replaced him in an effort to shore up the defence.
South Africa intensified their grip on the match in the 63rd minute, with a sustained spell of pressure culminating in a crucial goal. Aubrey Modiba’s shot was mismanaged by Lesotho goalkeeper Moerane, allowing Lyle Foster to pounce on the loose ball and double the lead to 2-0.
Just four minutes later, Foster further cemented South Africa’s dominance, turning provider as he set up Oswin Appollis. The winger capitalised on the opportunity, tucking home a low shot to seal the scoreline at 3-0, effectively snuffing any resistance from the visitors.
From that point onward, Bafana Bafana shifted into game management mode, comfortably controlling the match and ensuring no further goals were conceded as they cruised to a well-earned victory.
Looking ahead, both teams will look to continue their campaigns in Group C on Tuesday, 9 September. South Africa will host Nigeria in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Bloemfontein, while Lesotho will take on Benin in Abidjan.
Match Summary:
- Lesotho 0
- South Africa 3 (Nkota 16′, Foster 63′, Appollis 67′)