BY: SINETHEMBA ZONDI
The South African national football team defeated Zimbabwe to secure its place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by winning on Tuesday night at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The game started without much action and saw Zimbabwe’s Iqraam Rayners miss a chance early on. Some goals came from Thapelo Morena in the second half to give Bafana bafana a two-goal lead. Bafana Bafana celebrated a goal by Tawanda Chirewa, delighting the fans with a second-half strike following a player mistake, while Zimbabwe quickly responded.
Despite Bafana Bafana appearing dominant against Zimbabwe, coach Hugo Broos team returned to the field with many supporters from Mangaung having left the stadium in disappointment. Although Bafana played as expected, Zimbabwe posed a risk that reminded Broos team of the danger they faced against the threatening team.
The game seemed evenly matched at the start with moments of uncertainty until Bafana displayed signs of victory with a second goal. Broos made a crucial substitution, bringing Elias Mokwana on for Morena, who had received a yellow card.
Zimbabwe optimism was evident in the second half, showing they could score the next goal. Morena returned to the pitch after Mokoena excellent performance in the 55th minute. As Bafana bafana had anticipated, the game ended with a goal that pleased both the team and its followers.
With 15 minutes left in the game, Oswin Appollis scored the last goal in a clash with Zimbabwe defensive player Morena, marking the third goal. The match ended in a stalemate, with both teams showing good sportsmanship and the Free State fans leaving the stadium in large numbers.
