South Africa secured a valuable 1-1 draw with Nigeria in a Group C 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
The result sees Bafana Bafana six points clear of the Super Eagles at the top of the log, and in pole position to secure a return to the global tournament when the final two rounds of qualifiers are played next month.
Nigeria suffered an early injury blow, with Ola Aina making way for Bright Osayi-Samuel in just the 10th minute.
South Africa looked the more fluent and dangerous team in the first half hour, with wingers Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis troubling Nigeria’s defence with their willingness to run in behind. And Nkota forced the opening goal in the 25th minute, running onto a fine through ball from Bathusi Aubass before firing in a low cross from the right which was turned into his own net by Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong.
The Super Eagles grew as an attacking force and drew level at 1-1 in the 44th minute, with Calvin Bassey bundling home a close-range effort after Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross from the right by-line.
Nigeria made a double change at the start of the second half, throwing on Bruno Onyemaechi and Tolu Arokodare – with the latter quickly making an impact and almost putting the visitors ahead in the 50th minute with an effort that flashed across the face of goal.
South Africa were not far away from reclaiming the lead in spectacular fashion midway through the second half, with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi driving forward and attempting to catch Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali off his line, but the ball sailed just over the target.
As the clock wound down, Nigeria appeared to tire, while Bafana Bafana had more energy to pin play in the visitors’ half thanks to the fresh legs of Thalente Mbatha and Kamogelo Sebelebele – ultimately the match closed out at 1-1.
The teams will conclude their Group C campaigns in October, with South Africa facing Zimbabwe (away) and Rwanda (home), while Nigeria will tackle Lesotho (away) and Benin (home).
Credit: supersports.com
