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2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Group C race goes down to the wire after dramatic Matchday
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The battle for qualification in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers has been thrown wide open after South Africa and Zimbabwe played out a goalless draw, while Benin Republic edged Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali on Friday.
At the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Bafana Bafana were left frustrated as they failed to capitalize on home advantage against Zimbabwe.
Both teams ended the encounter with ten players apiece after Knowledge Musona of Zimbabwe and Mbekezile Mbokazi of South Africa were sent off for second bookable offences.
The result leaves South Africa with everything to play for in their final group game, as they must win and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to secure qualification.
Meanwhile, in Kigali, Benin Republic kept their dream of a maiden World Cup appearance alive thanks to an 80th-minute strike from Tosin Aiyegun, which proved the difference against Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro.
The victory sent Benin Republic to the top of the Group C standings with 17 points, two ahead of South Africa and three clear of Nigeria, who defeated Lesotho 2-1 earlier in the day.
As the qualifiers reach their climax, Benin Republic can seal a historic first-ever World Cup ticket with victory over Nigeria on Tuesday, October 14.
For Nigeria, only a win in Uyo combined with a South Africa slip-up against Rwanda will be enough to see the Super Eagles soar to the top of the group and book their place at the global showpiece.
