South Africa produced a clinical second-half display to secure a 2-0 victory over Benin in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, tightening their grip at the top of Group C while arch-rivals Nigeria were held 1-1 by Zimbabwe.
Goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams ensured Hugo Broos’ side made it four wins from six qualifiers, taking their tally to 13 points—five clear of second-placed Rwanda and Benin, both on eight. With three matchdays left, South Africa now hold a commanding lead in a group that is increasingly difficult to predict.
Second-half breakthrough seals the points
After a goalless opening 45 minutes played on neutral ground, South Africa stepped up the intensity after the break. The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Lyle Foster tucked away a low finish from close range after fine work down the left flank by Fawaaz Basadien.
That goal was Foster’s second in the qualifiers and a reward for Bafana Bafana’s growing control of the match. As Benin pushed forward in search of an equaliser, gaps began to appear, and South Africa punished them again in the 84th minute. Substitute Oswin Appollis delivered an inch-perfect ball for Jayden Adams, who made no mistake from inside the box to double the lead.
Adams has now scored twice in the qualifiers, and his form continues to be a bright spark in South Africa’s midfield.
Tactical discipline, defensive solidity
Hugo Broos’ side executed a well-drilled game plan, maintaining composure even as Benin made five second-half substitutions in an attempt to shift momentum. Despite Benin’s efforts, they rarely tested Ronwen Williams in goal, with defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyabonga Ngezana marshalling the backline effectively.
Yellow cards for Mohamed Tijani (89′) and Dodo Dokou (90+4′) capped off a frustrating evening for Gernot Rohr’s side, who lacked attacking cohesion and failed to match South Africa’s sharpness in the final third.
Nigeria stumble, group dynamics shift
Elsewhere in Group C, Nigeria were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Zimbabwe—leaving the Super Eagles in fourth place with seven points from six matches. That result piles pressure on Nigeria, who now trail South Africa by six points with only three matches remaining.
Benin, also on eight points, sit third due to an inferior goal difference, while Rwanda’s goalless draw keeps them level with the Cheetahs but still very much in the hunt for the play-off spot reserved for the best group runners-up.
Road to 2026 heats up
With 10 goals scored and only five conceded, South Africa now boast the best goal difference in Group C (+5) and are the only team with four wins. Their next matches could effectively seal qualification if they maintain their current form.
For Benin, their path to the World Cup now depends on picking up points against both Rwanda and Nigeria in their remaining fixtures. Anything less than a perfect finish could see them fall short.
As the dust settles on Matchday 6, South Africa have emerged not just as group leaders—but as firm favourites to secure automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
