- Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, and Mohau Nkota all scored goals to ensure victory.
- Match played at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
- Victory keeps Bafana top of Group C with 16 points
Bafana Bafana took a giant step toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 3–0 victory over Lesotho in a Group C clash at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. The South Africans wasted no time stamping their authority. Within the first fifteen minutes, Mohau Nkota scored the first goal after Aubrey Modiba’s deft pass.
Foster and Appollis Seal the Win
Early in the second half, Lyle Foster doubled Bafana’s lead. After a strong run and pass from Modiba, Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane could only parry the ball into Foster’s path, who calmly slotted it home.
The third and final goal came from Oswin Appollis, ensuring Hugo Broos’ side collected maximum points.
Group Standings and Qualification Outlook
The result keeps Bafana Bafana top of Group C with 16 points, ahead of Benin on 9 points. With only a few fixtures left including upcoming matches against Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda. South Africa are in a commanding position to qualify for the World Cup to be held in Mexico, Canada, and the USA in 2026.
Even if FIFA were to dock Bafana points due to Lesotho’s complaint over midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility, it appears unlikely to derail their qualification campaign. FIFA rules require protests to be filed within 24 hours, but Lesotho submitted theirs too late.
Focus Shifts to Nigeria
It will be a difficult test when Bafana Bafana plays Nigeria at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday at 6 p.m. A win there would all but guarantee their ticket to the World Cup.