Bafana Bafana of South Africa continued their push towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday, a result that preserved their lead at the top of Group C despite ongoing controversy surrounding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign.
Clinical Performance in Bloemfontein
South Africa wasted no time stamping authority on the tie as Mohau Nkota broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, rifling home a controlled volley across goal from a tight angle.
The second goal came midway through the second half when Burnley forward Lyle Foster reacted quickest to tap home a rebound after Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane spilled Aubrey Modiba’s strike. Just four minutes later, Foster turned provider, laying on a neat assist for Oswin Appollis to seal the contest at 3-0.
The win keeps South Africa firmly at the summit of the group with a three-point cushion over Benin, who edged Zimbabwe 1-0 thanks to a second-half header from Steve Mounie.
And so it ends at Free State Stadium #BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/cf6mtesenu
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 5, 2025FIFA Disciplinary Cloud Still Hanging
Despite their strong form on the pitch, Hugo Broos’ men are still waiting for clarity on a potential disciplinary sanction after FIFA launched an investigation into the eligibility of Teboho Mokoena, who featured in a 2-0 win over Lesotho in March despite being suspended.
South Africa have admitted the error but maintain that because Lesotho lodged no formal protest, the three points should stand.
“We did something bad, we did something we shouldn’t do, but there was no complaint,” coach Hugo Broos admitted earlier this week.
A ruling from FIFA could prove pivotal to the final standings in Group C.
Nigeria Set to Test Group Leaders
While South Africa enjoy top spot for now, their status faces a stern test with Nigeria breathing down their necks. The Super Eagles, who sit nine points adrift but with games in hand, host Rwanda on Saturday in Uyo before traveling to Bloemfontein on Tuesday in what could be a defining showdown in the qualification race.
