BENIN DIE MOEILIKHEID

BAFANA Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup suffered a groot blow as they were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

In a match that tested patience and precision, Hugo Broos’ manne dominated possession, but failed to convert their superiority into goals as the Warriors defended heroically to frustrate the hosts.

The result leaves Bafana second in Group C on 15 points – two behind leaders Benin, who beat Rwanda.

Broos made two changes to his starting lineup, recalling Khuliso Mudau and Siphephelo Sithole, while keeping faith with the attacking trio that started the previous qualifier against Nigeria in pursuit of continuity.

The hosts nearly made the perfect start when Oswin Appollis sent in a teasing low cross inside the first minute, but Lyle Foster was a split second late to apply the finishing touch.

Sipho Mbule was once again Bafana’s creative spark, dictating play and finding pockets between the lines.

The breakthrough nearly arrived on the stroke of halftime – Mohau Nkota’s thunderous drive cannoned off the upright before Nkosinathi Sibisi headed over from close range.

Broos responded with a double change after the break, introducing Bathusi Aubaas and Thapelo Morena to add drive and balance. The move freed Mbule to push higher, and he soon threaded a perfectly weighted ball through to Foster.

The Burnley striker rounded goalkeeper Washington Arubi, but a moment of hesitation allowed a defender to recover and block his effort on the goal line.

Moments later, Zimbabwe were reduced to 10 men when forward Knowledge Musona received a second yellow card for a cynical foul on Appollis. That dismissal set up a tense finale, with Bafana throwing everything forward in search of a winner.

Zimbabwe, however, stood tall under the pressure.