Bafana Bafana hope of World Cup qualification in the balance after surprise draw with Zimbabwe

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another setback following a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday night.

The result leaves Bafana Bafana second in Group C with 15 points, two behind leaders Benin and one ahead of Nigeria in third.

Hugo Broos’s men entered the match needing a win to strengthen their qualification chances, but failed to make their dominance count at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Sipho Mbule came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half with a fierce strike that was superbly saved by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

Despite creating several opportunities, South Africa couldn’t find a way through a compact and disciplined Zimbabwean defence.

The draw compounds a difficult week for Bafana Bafana after FIFA docked them three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their earlier match against Lesotho, a ruling that also awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory and cost South Africa top spot in the group.

Broos was also without key players Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners, who were both sidelined through injury.

With one final Group C clash remaining, South Africa must beat Rwanda next Tuesday to stand any chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Even with that, the Bafana Bafana will still rely on Nigeria beating Benin in their final qualification match.