Bafana Bafana Beat Benin, Lead Group C With Two-goal Edge

After Super Eagles dropped two precious points against Lesotho last Thursday in Uyo, Bafana Bafana of South Africa defeated Benin Republic 2-1 in Durban yesterday to ascend the driver’s seat of Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Only the South Africans recorded a win in the three matches played on the Match-day 1 of the race to book tickets to the World Cup to be hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.

Bafana Bafana have three points while Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Rwanda have a point apiece from their draw results of the group. Only the Squirrels of Benin Republic are without a point yet.

Yesterday in Durban, Bafana Bafana got off to a great start when Al Ahly star forward, Percy Tau, opened scoring after just two minutes.

Khouliso Madau then scored his first-ever goal for his country in first half stoppage time for the home team to go into the break 2-0 up.

However, Benin Republic fought back after the interval for Steve Mounie to pull a goal back in the 70th minute.

It was a cool finish by the experienced striker.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles could still topple the South Africans at the top of standings should the Kenneth Omeruo-led three-time African champions beat

Zimbabwe today in Rwanda.

South Africa will have to wait till Tuesday to know if they can extend their stay at the summit of Group C after two -match days.

South Africa will be away in Rwanda on Tuesday for in their second game of the qualifiers, while Benin will be guests of shock troopers Lesotho in South Africa. Both matches will be played Tuesday.

TABLE

Group C

P. W. D. L. GF. GA. Pts

S’Africa. 1. 1. 0. 0. 2. 1. 3

Lesotho. 1. 0. 1. 0. 1. 1. 1

Nigeria. 1. 0. 1. 0. 1. 1. 1

Rwanda. 1. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 1

Zimbabwe. 1. 0. 1. 0. 0. 0. 1

Benin Rep. 1. 0. 0. 1. 1. 2. 0

RESULTS

S’Africa 2-1 Benin

Senegal 4-0:S’Sudan