Bafana Tops Group C With A Victory Over Lesotho

Bafana Bafana climbed to the top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a 2-0 victory over Lesotho at a sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday.

Despite the scoreline, Bafana Bafana should have secured a more decisive win, with Percy Tau and Iqraam Rayners missing clear opportunities.

Bafana Bafana now lead the group with 10 points after five matches, two points ahead of second-placed Benin, who drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday.

They will now travel to face Benin at a neutral venue in Ivory Coast on Tuesday, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the group.

Prior to the match, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed a complete ticket sell-out, reflecting the increased public interest in Bafana Bafana since their African Cup of Nations bronze medal achievement last year.

Relebohile Mofokeng, who scored twice for Orlando Pirates in their 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend, was included in the starting lineup by coach Hugo Broos.

He nearly gave Bafana Bafana an early lead, but missed the target in the eighth minute after beating his marker and facing Lesotho goalkeeper Benedict Moerane, who plays for Orbit College in South Africa.

Percy Tau, returning to the side, also started the match.

Bafana Bafana dominated possession, pinning Lesotho back in their own half, with the visitors content to defend deep.

However, Bafana Bafana’s attacking play was often rushed, allowing Lesotho to regroup defensively.

Nkosinathi Sibisi’s header from Tau’s corner was cleared off the line, and Moerane made an unorthodox save from Mofokeng’s hooked shot.

Bafana Bafana increased their intensity in the final third, creating several scoring chances.

Lyle Foster’s header went narrowly wide, but the first half ended goalless.

In the other Group C match, Nigeria led Rwanda 2-0, with both goals scored by Victor Osimhen.  

The goalless first half was disappointing for Bafana Bafana, playing in front of a packed stadium in Limpopo.

Bafana Bafana intensified their attack in the second half, and Foster was denied by the post in the 47th minute, with the ball deflecting off Moerane’s back.

Frustration grew for Bafana Bafana and coach Broos as Moerane made another crucial save from Mofokeng’s attempt.

However, Bafana Bafana finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Elias Mokwana set up Mofokeng, who slotted home at the near post.

Bafana Bafana nearly scored a second goal when Moerane’s attempted clearance hit Tau and struck the post.

Four minutes later, Jayden Adams scored the second goal, beating Moerane after his initial shot was blocked.

This result, combined with Rwanda’s loss to Nigeria, propelled Bafana Bafana to the top of Group C with 10 points.

Lesotho offered little attacking threat throughout the game, and Bafana Bafana delivered a strong performance to secure their position at the summit of the group