South Africa are just one step away from sealing their spot at the 2026 World Cup after holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Hugo Broos’s side showed both resilience and flashes of attacking verve against a Super Eagles outfit who knew only a win would keep their hopes alive.
Bafana Bafana struck first when William Troost-Ekong diverted Mohau Nkota’s cross into his own net after 24 minutes. The Super Eagles hit back just before half-time, Calvin Bassey powering in a header from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s delivery.
Nigeria pushed hard for a winner in the second half, but Hugo Broos’s side stood firm, with Lyle Foster and Thabiso Monyane leading counter-attacks that kept the visitors on edge.
The result leaves South Africa top of Group C on 17 points, six clear of second-placed Nigeria, with just two rounds left. A point from their final fixtures will be enough to book their ticket to North America in 2026.
Nigeria, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to qualify with Benin and Rwanda still in contention.
By: Pascal Amoah
