Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes remain alive despite being held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last night.

South Africa dominated the tense encounter, with the ball cleared off the line and striking the woodwork twice, but luck deserted Hugo Broos’ side. The result leaves Bafana second in Group C, two points behind leaders Benin, heading into their final qualifier against Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday.

Coach Broos remained defiant after the setback. “It will not be easy, certainly not. But as long as it’s possible, you have to believe,” he said. “If we win the game (against Rwanda) we will then see what happens. That is the most important thing.”

Both teams finished with ten men, after Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona was sent off in the 62nd minute and Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi received a red card late in stoppage time. The South Africans travel to Mpumalanga on Saturday, needing victory and a favourable result between Nigeria and Benin to keep their World Cup dream alive.