WCQ: Advantage for Bafana Bafana As Super Eagles Stumble Against Zimbabwe

• Bafana Bafana gain a major advantage in World Cup qualifiers after the Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped points against Zimbabwe
• Nigeria's Super Eagles were stunned by a late goal from Zimbabwe as their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup remain a doubt
• Bafana Bafana now lead Group C with 13 points, five ahead of Benin Republic and six ahead of the Super Eagles

Bafana Bafana have been handed a huge advantage as the Super Eagles dropped points against Zimbabwe in their FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday evening.

Super Eagles took the lead through Victor Osimhen in the second half but were denied all three points after Tawanda Chirewa scored a late equaliser for the Warriors.

South Africa now sit comfortably on top of Group C with 13 points, five points ahead of Benin Republic and six point ahead of Nigeria.

Nigeria stumble against Zimbabwe in WCQ

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Nigeria were the better side in the opening minutes of the game, with Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman causing problems on the left-wing.

Osimhen was close to giving Nigeria the lead but his effort inside the box was tipped over the bar by the Zimbabwe goalkeeper, another strong header from the resulting forced another fine save from the goalie.

Nigeria continues to create more chances to go in front, but Bright Osayi-Samuel fails to put the ball past the Warriors' goalkeeper after being played one-on-one with him.

Zimbabwe were not also giving up so easily as they depended mostly on counterattacks, and they had a good chance to score in the 15th minute after Walter Musona raced clear of Super Eagles' defence but his powerful shot hit the side netting; Nigeria responded to that with Lookman shot from range which went wide.

Zimbabwe came close to scoring the first goal in the 19th minute after former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat was played through on goal, but his effort was saved by the on-rushing Stanley Nwabali.

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Just before the half-time break, Osimhen appeared to have been fouled in Zimbabwe's box and clamoured for a penalty, but the referee was not interested in his plea.

Nigeria were the better side in the first half, with the Warriors also having a fair chance to take the lead but it ended goalless.

Nigeria began the second half like they ended the first, but they were unable to get past the Zimbabwean defence and their goalkeeper.

Eric Chelle decided to bring on Tolu Arokodare and the Genk man was involved in the first goal of the match.

Simon lofted a pass to Arokodare in the box, and he flicked it back to Aina, who then set up Osimhen with a perfect cross for the Galatasaray star to head the ball past the Warriors goalkeeper.

Zimbabwe kept it late to deny Nigeria all three points after Chirewa surged through the Super Eagles defence before putting the ball past Nwabali to end the match in a 1-1 draw.

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Nigeria are now on seven points, but it's not enough for them to leave fourth place on the log as they are behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin Republic.

South Africa defeat Benin in Ivory Coast

Briefly News earlier reported that Bafana Bafana of South Africa defeated the Benin Republic 2-0 at the Stade Felix Houphouet Bogy on Tuesday night.

Source: Briefly News