South Africa’s Bafana Bafana strengthened their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lesotho in a Group C encounter played on Friday in Bloemfontein.
The emphatic win lifts the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions to 16 points, stretching their lead over Nigeria’s Super Eagles to nine, though the Nigerians can trim the gap back to six when they host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday.
Bafana Bafana got off to a bright start, opening the scoring in the 15th minute through Mohau Nkota, who calmly finished from Aubrey Modiba’s pinpoint cross.
Lyle Foster doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, reacting quickest to slot home after Lesotho’s goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane spilled a shot.
Just four minutes later, Oswin Appollis sealed the contest with a well-taken strike inside the box, punishing Lesotho’s shaky defending.
Lesotho were also dealt a blow before the interval as Jane Thabantso was forced off injured and replaced by Katlego Makateng.
In the group’s other game, Benin Republic moved into second place with 11 points after edging past Zimbabwe 1-0.
