Bafana Held To A Frustrating Draw As Chances Go Begging Against Zimbabwe

Bafana Bafana endured a night of frustration as they struck the woodwork twice and were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

To compound their disappointment, Benin claimed a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali at the same time, cementing their place at the top of Group C with 17 points, with Bafana to 15.

The result leaves Hugo Broos’ side in a precarious position. Bafana needed a win to keep their qualification hopes in their own hands ahead of their final group match against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. Now, they must rely on Nigeria to do them a favour against Benin on the same day.

Adding to their woes, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was sent off in the final minute, summing up a frustrating evening for the home side.

The dropped points in Durban left coach Hugo Broos visibly frustrated, knowing that qualification is now out of Bafana’s control.

The match began brightly for South Africa, with Oswin Appollis flashing a dangerous ball across the 18-yard area within the first 45 seconds.

Bafana dominated possession early on, while Zimbabwe’s first meaningful attack came in the sixth minute. Two minutes later, Broos’ men had their first notable set-piece opportunity as they continued to apply pressure.

Sipho Mbule came close soon after, narrowly missing the target inside the box after being set up by the lively Appollis.

South Africa continued to dictate the tempo, consistently breaking down Zimbabwe’s defence but failing to convert their chances. Mohau Nkota came agonizingly close midway through the first half with a curling effort from outside the area that grazed Washington Arubi’s crossbar.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Lyle Foster denied by a heroic clearance off the line after rounding goalkeeper Arubi.

Zimbabwe’s frustrations grew when Knowledge Musona was shown a second yellow card in the 63rd minute, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Broos handed Orlando Pirates’ in-form attacker Tshepang Moremi his Bafana debut in the 78th minute, as the hosts pushed relentlessly for a breakthrough.

Foster came closest again in the 81st minute, his low strike smashing off the crossbar as Arubi stood rooted to the spot.

Despite their dominance and numerous chances, Bafana Bafana could not find the all-important goal, leaving their World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread.