Bafana Bafana bolstered their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes with a crucial 2-0 victory over Benin, extending their lead at the top of Group C.
The win in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, pushed South Africa to 13 points after six matches, positioning them firmly as leaders in the group.
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Bafana’s start to the match was dominated by possession, but early opportunities were limited, with right-back Khuliso Mudau’s shot the only serious attempt in the first half. Benin threatened briefly, with Junior Olaitan’s header going comfortably into the hands of South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
After a goalless first half, Lyle Foster opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, pouncing on a well-placed cross from Fawaaz Basadien. The match was sealed in the 84th minute, when substitute Jayden Adams added a second goal with a clinical header from an Oswin Appollis free-kick, marking his second consecutive goal in as many matches.
This victory allowed South Africa to stay ahead of their closest rivals, Benin and Rwanda, who sit joint-second with eight points each. Nigeria, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Zimbabwe, remain on seven points, further complicating their qualification chances.
With four matches remaining, including pivotal fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria in September, Bafana are in a commanding position to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. Their next challenge will be maintaining their form as they face the final stretch of qualifiers.