The African World Cup Qualifiers continued with an electrifying clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

In front of a packed and passionate crowd, the match unfolded dramatically as the first half started with a bang. Bafana Bafanas Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring in the very first minute. The stadium, erupting in celebration as Rayners found the back of the net, setting the stage for what seemed to be a dominant performance by the home side.

However, the celebrations were short-lived, as just a minute later, Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa responded with a swift equaliser, stunning the home fans and levelling the score at 1-1.

The equaliser set the tone for a fiercely contested first half as both teams displayed attacking intent, with South Africa pushing hard to regain their lead. Rayners, along with teammates Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, and Themba Zwane, had several opportunities to restore Bafana Bafana’s advantage. However, a combination of a lack of composure in the final third and, in front of goal, exceptional goalkeeping by Zimbabwe’s Geoffrey Chitsumba kept the scoreline unchanged.

Chitsumbas acrobatic saves and commanding presence frustrated the South African attackers, ensuring that the teams went into the halftime break deadlocked at 1-1.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Bafana Bafana take control of the match. Hugo Broos’ tactical adjustments paid off as South Africa dominated possession and applied consistent pressure on the Zimbabwean defence.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute, when substitute Thapelo Morena, known for his speed and sharp finishing, found the back of the net. Morenas goal was a result of a well-executed team move that left the Zimbabwean defence in disarray. His calm finish past Chitsumba gave South Africa a crucial lead.

As the game progressed, South Africa continued to assert their dominance. Morena, enjoying a stellar performance, struck again in the 74th minute. Sprinting down the middle, he latched onto a precise pass, rounded the onrushing Chitsumba, and slotted the ball into the net to complete his brace. This goal provided Bafana Bafana with a comfortable two-goal cushion and effectively sealed the match.

Despite Zimbabwe’s efforts to mount a comeback, South Africa’s defence held firm, and the match ended with a convincing 3-1 victory for Bafana Bafana. The win not only boosted South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also showcased the depth and talent within the Hugo Broos squad.

Elsewhere in the African World Cup Qualifiers, Nigeria’s qualification hopes suffered a severe blow as they lost 2-1 to Benin on Monday. This defeat, coupled with their three successive draws, including a disappointing home draw against Lesotho, has put their World Cup aspirations in jeopardy.

Lesotho’s fortunes also took a hit as they dropped to fourth place following a 1-0 defeat to Rwanda at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night. The result further complicates the qualification landscape in the group, making every upcoming match crucial for the teams involved.