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South Africa and Benin strengthened their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Wait on Friday with vital victories that keep the Super Eagles of Nigeria under growing pressure in the race for a ticket for the global masterpiece.
In Bloemfontein, South Africa proved to be too strong for Lesotho, sailing to a 3-0 victory.
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Mohau Nkota broke the point in the 14th minute, before Lyle Foster and Oswin Apollis attacked in the second half to seal a dominant performance for Bafana Bafana.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams also impressed, achieving key salvages to deny Lesoth at crucial moments.
The victory passes to South Africa to 16 points from seven games, firmly keeping them in the dispute at the top of the group.
The coach Hugo Broos team continues to show a good balance between defensive discipline and clinical finish.
In Abidjan, Benin beat Zimbabwe 1-0 courtesy of the 77-minute goal of Steve Mounié.
The victory elevates the cheese to 11 points and the second place in the group, reinforcing their qualification possibilities.
The results of Friday almost end the hopes of Lesotho and Zimbabwe, expanding the gap between the main contestants and Nigeria.
The Super Eagles, with nine points, now have South Africa for seven and Benin by two, which makes their way more and more difficult.
The pressure is in Nigeria ahead of its clash in Uyo on Saturday.
A slip could be disastrous, with its decisive confrontation against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday that is emerging as a must.
Anything less than the maximum points can let the final qualification window make sense for the three times African champions, since they face the possibility of missing the FIFA World Cup.
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