South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback on Thursday night after Bafana Bafana were held to a frustrating goalless draw by 10-man Zimbabwe.
The clash, played in front of an expectant home crowd, saw the return of midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, making his first appearance for the national side since September last year following an injury layoff.
Bafana started on the front foot, using the pace of Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis to stretch the Warriors’ defence. Nkota came closest in the first half when his powerful strike rattled the post just before half-time.
Coach Hugo Broos made changes at the break, introducing Bathusi Aubaas and Thapelo Morena in a bid to add more attacking spark. The second half saw relentless pressure from South Africa, with Lyle Foster’s effort dramatically cleared off the line by Divine Lunga.
Zimbabwe’s task became tougher in the 63rd minute when captain Knowledge Musona was shown a second yellow card, leaving the visitors to defend with 10 men. Despite the numerical advantage, Bafana could not break the deadlock, with Foster again hitting the woodwork late in the game.
The Warriors held firm, frustrating the home side until the final whistle, as South Africa were forced to settle for a goalless draw.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana with work to do in their qualifying campaign, while Zimbabwe will take pride in securing a hard-fought point on the road.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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