South Africa extended their lead in Group C of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, securing a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Tuesday evening.
Bafana Bafana’s triumph came courtesy of second-half goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams, lifting them to 13 points from six matches.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Zimbabwe played out a 1-1 draw in Uyo, while Rwanda and Lesotho also shared the spoils with the same scoreline in Kigali.
Rwanda sit second in the standings with eight points, level with Benin in third place. Nigeria follow with seven points, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe occupy fifth and sixth spots with six and four points, respectively.
However, the standings may soon see a shake-up. Reports emerging earlier on Tuesday suggest that South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2-0 win over Lesotho last week, putting them at risk of a three-point deduction.
The first half of the match saw South Africa dictate possession and spend more time in Benin’s half, yet they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Foster had a couple of opportunities, while Thalente Mbatha’s deflected shot went just wide early on.
Benin’s most notable effort came in the 18th minute when Junior Olaitan’s diving header forced a fine save from Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
South Africa finally broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half. Fawaaz Basadien found space on the left and delivered a low cutback to Foster, whose shot squeezed under goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou before rolling in off the inside of the far post.
Coach Hugo Broos introduced Oswin Appollis and Jayden Adams in the second half, while Benin struggled to mount a meaningful response. Sessi D’Almeida and Steve Mounie both fired speculative shots wide.
Bafana Bafana sealed the win in the 84th minute when Appollis delivered a pinpoint free-kick cross, allowing Adams to direct a downward header past Dandjinou’s right hand, putting the game beyond doubt.
The next round of World Cup qualifiers resumes in September. South Africa will face Lesotho away before hosting Nigeria, while Benin will take on Zimbabwe and Lesotho, both at home.
