South Africa maintained their commanding position in Group C of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 3–0 victory over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday night.
Goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis sealed an emphatic win for Bafana Bafana, who now hold a five-point lead at the top of the group, reinforcing their status as favourites to qualify directly for the World Cup.
Hugo Broos’s side made a bright start despite an early setback when Nyiko Mobbie was forced off with a head injury, replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa in the sixth minute.
South Africa took the lead in the 16th minute through 20-year-old Mohau Nkota, who timed his run perfectly to meet Aubrey Modiba’s lofted cross and finish calmly for his first senior international goal.
The remainder of the first half was disjointed, with frequent fouls disrupting the rhythm of play, but South Africa deservedly went into the break with a 1–0 advantage.
Early in the second half, another head injury forced Thabo Moloisane off, with Khulumani Ndamane coming on as a replacement. Despite the interruptions, Bafana Bafana began to control the tempo and were rewarded for their pressure just after the hour mark.
In the 63rd minute, Modiba’s shot was parried by Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, and Lyle Foster reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range for 2–0.
Four minutes later, Foster turned provider, setting up Oswin Appollis, who slotted a low finish beyond Moerane to make it 3–0 and effectively end the contest.
South Africa managed the remainder of the match with confidence, maintaining possession and conserving energy ahead of their next test against Nigeria on Tuesday in Bloemfontein. Lesotho will meet Benin in Abidjan on the same day.
Final score:
Lesotho 0
South Africa 3 (Nkota 16’, Foster 63’, Appollis 67’)
Lesotho XI: Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Malane, Fusi Matlabe, Thato Makhele, Tsoanelo Sefoli, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Teboho Toloane (Tlotliso Phatsisi 88’), Katleho Makateng (Jane Thabantso 41’), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Kefuoe Rapuleng 69’), Motebang Sera (Thabo Maphakisa 88’), Neo Mokhachane (Lesako Lesako 69’).
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Nyiko Mobbie (Zuko Mdunyelwa 6’), Melusi Mbokazi, Thabo Moloisane (Khulumani Ndamane 53’), Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule (Bathusi Aubaas 74’), Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota (Katlego Sebelebele 74’), Lyle Foster (Iqraam Rayners 74’).