Bafana Bafana Edge Closer to 2026 World Cup As Oswin Appollis Shines Against Lesotho

• Bafana Bafana thump Lesotho in their seventh World Cup qualifiers at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday
• Hugo Broos' side needed a win to move closer to securing an automatic ticket to the global football competition next year
• South African football fans share their thoughts on Bafana Bafana's win over their neighbours, Lesotho

Bafana Bafana are edging closer to sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a resounding victory over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Friday, September 5, 2026.

Former Orlando Pirates star Mohau Nkota gave Bafana Bafana the lead in the first half, before second-half goals from Lyle Foster and the Buccaneers' summer signing Oswin Appollis gave Hugo Broos' side the deserved 3-0 win over Likuena.

The win put South Africa on 16 points in Group C with three matches to go, with their next match being against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Bafana Bafana thrash Lesotho in Bloemfontein

Broos decided to stick with young players like Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Oswin Appollis, and Thalente Mbatha, all included in the starting line-up, with experienced players like Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Ronwen Williams also making the list.

Bafana Bafana started the game on a bad note as an early injury suffered by Nyiko Mobbie forced Broos to make an early change, with Mamelodi Sundowns star Zuko Mdunyelwa coming on as a replacement for the Siwelele FC defender.

The opening ten minutes saw minimal action, as both teams approached the game with caution, carefully sizing each other up.

Lesotho were caught flat-footed in the 16th minute when Sundowns' Aubrey Modiba whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left and was beautifully met by Nkota, who calmly tucked the ball in to hand Bafana Bafana the deserved lead.

The breakthrough sparked an increase in South Africa’s attacking display, with the Group C leaders pushing forward in search of a second.

Ronwen Williams enjoyed a quiet outing between the posts in the first half, with Likuena offering little threat as they failed to break Bafana Bafana's defensive set-up.

Before the half-time whistle, Jane Thabantso had Lesotho's best chance of the first half, but his effort went over the bar.

Bafana Bafana started the second half the way they ended the first, as they created more goal-scoring chances and also dominated the possession.

Just like the first half, Bafana Bafana lost another player to injury with Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane being withdrawn from the match due to a head injury and was replaced by Khulumani Ndamane.

South Africa doubled their lead in the 64th minute when Foster pounced on a rebound after the Lesotho keeper failed to hold onto a powerful strike from Modiba.

Four minutes later, Bafana Bafana added the third with Foster turning a provider this time as he set up Appollis.

Bafana Bafana's defence held on to the lead despite pressure from Lesotho in the closing stages of the game.

Reactions as Bafana defeat Lesotho

CareersSA1 said:

"We have come a long way to reach these heights, Hugo Broos and this generation of players changed our lives forever🔥🔥🔥❤️ Make reservations, Bafana Bafana will surely be in the World Cup 2026."

aey_dear reacted:

"Trust Teboho Mokoena to always drop a masterclass under the green and gold colors. He is always willing to give 100% performance to his national team, very patriotic man. What a player!"

Mao jnr wrote:

"Nkota /Mbekezeli TLB Mbokazi /Foster/Appollis/Sipho Mbule 🔥 Hugo Broos (Mr No Nonsense). Bafana Bafana, the pride of the nation ♥. Lesotho don't even know what hit them so hard. Nigeria you are the next."

Kgosigadi_Mj shared:

"Issue of Mokoena is stressing me, somebody please assure me that all is good."

UKwaneleZN added:

"We are going to the World Cup! Argentina & Spain are not ready for this super team!"

Favourites to win SA vs Nigeria clash

Briefly News also reported that a Nigerian sports journalist confirmed the favourite to win the clash between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles.

The South African men's national team will host the Super Eagles on matchday 8 in their World Cup qualifying group.

Source: Briefly News