Going gets tough for Bafana Bafana! South Africa drop 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying points against 10-man Zimbabwe as Benin win

South Africa were frustrated by Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier after a goalless draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. 

A tactical deployment of 4-3-3 by head coach Michael Nees worked for Zimbabwe, as South Africa found it hard to breach their rivals' setup in the first half. 

Chances for Bafana were rare, even though they were the dominant side, and when they managed to create them, goalkeeper Washington Arubi ensured they did not score.

However, the Warriors managed to find their way into South Africa's box for the first time in the 11th minute, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a vital block to deny Marshall Muntesi a chance to launch a strike.

Towards the end of the first half, Bafana came close to breaking the deadlock, but Mohau Nkota's left-footed effort hit the post. Arubi, who parried away Sipho Mbule's powerful 26th-minute strike, was well beaten in this scenario as Zimbabwe survived in the 43rd minute.

Khama Billiat, Munetsi, and Musona made attempts to trouble Bafana's defence on a number of occasions, but at the end of the first half, they were unsuccessful.

South Africa came close again to breaking the deadlock after Lyle Foster beat Arubi, but his final shot was cleared off the line in the 55th minute. Another instance that Zimbabwe survived, but Bafana were denied in the high-stakes encounter.

Bafana were handed a numerical advantage in the 65th minute when Musona was sent off for a second bookable offence. The forward received his first yellow card in the 44th minute before the second one came four minutes past the hour mark.

More frustration for South Africa came late in the game when they were reduced to 10 men as Mbokazi was sent off in the seventh minute of added time after receiving a second yellow card.  

Arubi stood tall to ensure that his side picked a point against South Africa. If he had not been alert throughout the game, Zimbabwe could have been beaten easily.   

Hugo Broos was expected to mastermind a win for Bafana, but his side was frustrated and dropped points.

Now their qualification dream received a further blow, and this will put him under more pressure.    

After a 2-1 win over Lesotho, Nigeria closed in on South Africa. Although their position on the table did not change, the Super Eagles are now, with 14 points, a point behind Bafana.

Benin, who beat Rwanda by 1-0, now lead with 17 points, two more than South Africa.

Next for Bafana is a game against Rwanda on October 14.