South Africa’s bid for direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback after they were held to a 0–0 draw by Zimbabwe in a tense Group C encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday night.
Bafana Bafana dominated proceedings but were left frustrated by a resilient Zimbabwean side, who defended bravely and relied on veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi to secure a hard-earned point. The result leaves Hugo Broos’s men second in the group, two points behind leaders Benin with one round of matches remaining.
South Africa began strongly and created several chances in the first half. Sipho Mbule forced Arubi into an early save with a low strike in the 26th minute, while Mohau Nkota came agonisingly close in the 43rd when his powerful shot cannoned off the upright.
After the break, Bafana continued to press, with Lyle Foster seeing his effort cleared off the line in the 53rd minute. Zimbabwe were reduced to ten men shortly after the hour mark when captain Knowledge Musona was sent off for a second bookable offence, but South Africa failed to make the numerical advantage count.
Foster was denied again in the closing stages as his low shot struck the post, and Arubi pulled off another fine save in stoppage time to keep out Teboho Mokoena’s long-range attempt.
In a dramatic ending, South Africa also went down to ten men after defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was shown a straight red card in added time, ruling him out of their crucial final qualifier against Rwanda on Tuesday in Mbombela.
The Warriors, already eliminated, showed pride and determination throughout, earning their fifth draw of the campaign. They will close their qualifiers against Lesotho, while South Africa must win their final fixture and hope Benin drop points to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Final score:
Zimbabwe 0
South Africa 0
Zimbabwe XI: Washington Arubi, Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garananga (Jalai 86’), Divine Lunga (Walter Musona 86’), Teenage Hadebe, Khama Billiat (Antoine 86’), Marvelous Nakamba (Fabisch 89’), Tawanda Chirewa (Maswanhise 59’), Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musona, Gerald Takwara.
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba (Makgopa 84’), Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole (Aubaas 46’), Sipho Mbule, Mohau Nkota (Morena 46’), Oswin Appollis (Moremi 80’), Lyle Foster.