Bafana Bafana massacre Lesotho 3-0, send warning to Super Eagles ahead Bloemfontein clash

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have fired a clear warning to Nigeria’s Super Eagles after cruising to a 3–0 victory over Lesotho in their FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday 7 fixture on Friday.

Despite missing ten first-team regulars and ongoing controversy surrounding FIFA’s hesitance to penalize South Africa for allegedly fielding ineligible player, coach Hugo Broos’ men proved they’re serious contenders for a second World Cup appearance, having first featured as hosts in 2010.

The emphatic win has turned up the heat on Nigeria, who must overcome Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday to stay in contention.

That result will set the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, a match that could define Group C.

Should the Super Eagles secure back-to-back wins, they’ll close the gap to just three points behind South Africa.

And with a potential points deduction still hanging over Bafana Bafana, goal difference could ultimately determine who grabs the coveted ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—if Nigeria wins all four remaining games.

Both Lesotho and Zimbabwe can no longer qualify as group winner.

Group C Standings
Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts
South Africa 7 5 1 1 13 5 +8 16
Benin 7 3 2 2 7 7 0 11
Rwanda 6 2 2 2 4 4 0 8
Nigeria 6 1 4 1 7 6 +1 7
Lesotho 7 1 3 3 4 8 −4 6
Zimbabwe 7 0 4 3 5 10 −5 4