Bafana Dominate Lesotho, Close In On World Cup Spot

Bafana Bafana secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Toyota Stadium.

The win extends South Africa’s lead at the top of their qualifying group to 16 points after seven matches, bringing them a step closer to a spot in the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The team will now shift its focus to a highly anticipated clash against Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday.

Pre-Match Drama and Controversy

The lead-up to the match was fraught with controversy. The condition of the Toyota Stadium pitch was a major talking point, with FIFA inspectors initially deeming it unfit for play. The match was briefly moved to Dr. Molemela Stadium before groundsmen managed to repair the surface enough for it to pass a final inspection on Thursday.

Additionally, the Lesotho Football Association confirmed they would play the match under protest. The protest stems from the ineligibility of Teboho Mokoena in their previous qualifier against Bafana Bafana in March.

Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards and should have been suspended for that match, but played. While the Lesotho FA did not protest within the required 24-hour window at the time, they still feel they have a case for FIFA to investigate.

South Africa’s coaching staff, having been made aware of the issue, subsequently rested Mokoena in their following match against Benin.

A Strong Performance and New Faces

Despite the pre-game drama and an early injury to Nyiko Mobbie, who was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa due to a concussion, Bafana Bafana dominated the match. The opening goal came in the 15th minute when Aubrey Modiba delivered a precise cross to Mohau Nkota, who scored with a well-placed, first-time finish.

Nkota, who recently left Orlando Pirates for a big-money move to Saudi Arabian side Ettifaq, seems to be in fantastic form after also scoring his first goal for his new club.

Bafana’s attack was led effectively by Lyle Foster, who recently scored for his club Burnley against Manchester United. Foster doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane parried a powerful shot from Modiba.

Just four minutes later, Foster turned provider, assisting Oswin Appollis for the third goal. Appollis, the Orlando Pirates attacker, slotted the ball underneath the body of Moerane, sealing a resounding victory.

Coach Hugo Broos was visibly pleased with his team’s performance, particularly with the contributions of new players like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was given a start and praised by Broos for his strength and confidence.

While the defense was rarely tested, the win and the strong performances of several squad members will give Broos confidence as they prepare for a much tougher challenge against Nigeria.