Bafana Bafana Hold Nigeria in South Africa, Edge Closer to 2026 World Cup
- The Bafana Bafana of South Africa are edging closer to securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after avoiding defeat against Nigeria
- Hugo Broos' side frustrated Eric Chelle's men, who are seeking three points, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening
- The result of the match between the two top African football nations sparked different reactions from netizens on social media
South Africa moved closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria on matchday 8 of the qualifying series at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, September 9, 2024.
Bafana Bafana needed to avoid defeat, as they currently sit at the top of Group C, six points clear of the Super Eagles.
Source: Getty Images
Hugo Broos' side is on 17 points, with Nigeria languishing on 11 points in second position. The Benin Republic has a chance to move back to second place if they win tonight.
Bafana Bafana took the lead after an own goal by William Troost-Ekong, but Calvin Bassey restored parity for the Super Eagles before the half-time break.
Bafana Bafana hold Nigeria in SA
Broos shuffled his squad with four changes from the team that defeated Lesotho last weekend, as Thabo Moloisane, Thalente Mbatha, Aubrey Modiba, and Nyiko Mobbie dropped out for Zuko Mdunyelwa, Siyabonga Ngezana, Bathusi Aubaas, and Samukelo Kabini.
Similar to Bafana Bafana’s game against Lesotho, the Super Eagles also faced a setback early on when Ola Aina picked up an injury and was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
South Africa benefited from their home advantage early in the game as Mohau Nkota rose to meet Oswin Appollis' precise cross, but his header sailed just over the bar.
The visitors frustrated the home side’s passing game, but Bafana still forced a golden chance, with Nwabali standing tall to block Appollis' close-range drive.
Bafana Bafana got the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Nkota's cross forced an own goal from Ekong to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Nigeria applied late first-half pressure, and their persistence paid off when Bassey nodded home from an Osayi-Samuel delivery, despite the ball clipping his arm before crossing the line.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles began the second half on the front foot, searching for a second goal, while South Africa suffered a setback in the 60th minute when Mdunyelwa limped off and Monyane took his place.
Nigeria pushed for the lead for most of the second half but was unable to break down South Africa's defence, as Bafana Bafana took a valuable point.
Reactions as Bafana drew against Super Eagles
aey_dear said:
"This man has brought back the excitement and winning mentality in our national team. An exciting results-driven team is all that we wanted, and he assembled is exactly that. We appreciate him."
Peter Greggor shared:
"WHY when we 1 - 0 (albeit OG), all over them, controlling the midfield, we 'mess around' at the back, take our foot off the pedal 🤔😒. Should have wrapped the game up in the first half! Grateful for one point, WE didn't even score (OG) 🧐"
Azokuhle wrote:
"The Coach Hugo Broos needs to make changes to win the game and use all 5 subs. We didn't control the midfield and our wingers were not so effective today. I blame the coach we should have won this game. I know a draw is not a bad result but we should've won the game!"
bobo k reacted:
"Below average performance for the both teams... Meanwhile, the Super Eagles don't deserve to go anywhere."
msizimakhaza added:
"That perfomance was shambok. Late call a spate a spate. This reminded me of our old self. We cant beat the world with that poor display let be honest."
FIFA releases statement on SA vs Nigeria
Briefly News also reported that FIFA released an official statement ahead of the South Africa vs Nigeria showdown in Bloemfontein.
The football governing body shared a major update ahead of the mouthwatering fixture.
Source: Briefly News
