
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has admitted his side lacked the finishing touch and a bit of fortune after they were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana in second place in Group C with 15 points, two behind table-toppers Benin Republic, with one game left to play in the qualifying series.
Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, South Africa could not find a way past a determined Zimbabwe defence.
“Yes, it’s true, I think we tried everything today, we didn’t have the luck either,” Broos said after the match.
“One moment on the ball line saved, one on the post, you also need a little bit of luck in such games and we didn’t have it on our side today.
“We fought for it, we did everything, tried everything, but ok, you see a very motivated Zimbabwe team against us, and we knew it would be tough, but that is also football.”
Broos’ men, who were without several key players due to injuries, will now turn their attention to their final group game — a must-win clash — as they continue their push for a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the tournament.