Bloemfontein crowd comes alive as Bafana sinks Zimbabwe

Bafana Bafana got their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign back on track with a convincing 3-1 win over Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

Having been held to a draw by Nigeria a few days ago, the men from the south needed a result.

Bafana Bafana found the opening goal inside the opening 30 seconds of the match after Iqraam Rayners pounced on a mistake from Zimbabwe’s defence. Immediately after the goal, the Warriors responded. A quick throw-in caught Bafana napping allowing Tawanda Chirewa to score for the visitors.

Bafana looked to restore their lead but Zimbabwe looked solid in defence denying the home side clear-cut chances. The Warriors’ keeper Godfrey Chitsumba produced a few quality saves to keep the scores 1-1 going into half-time.

Bafana and Zimbabwe both made changes in the second half looking to go all out for the win. Hugo Broos sacrificed Elias Mokwana for Thapelo Morena as he looked to exploit the Warriors’ right side. The Mamelodi Sundowns right-back made an immediate impact by putting the away side under pressure. Having just been on the pitch for nine minutes, Morena slotted home from close range after Chitsumba made an error.

Bafana buries Zimbabwe to top the WC group

Bafana’s Oswin Appollis delivered a cross which the Zim keeper failed to clear allowing Mokwena to take advantage. Broos’ men managed the game from then on and in the 76th minute, Morena scored his second of the match.

Oswin Appollis produced a 40-yard pass to find Morena who rounded off Chitsumba to make it 3-1 to see Bafana home against Zimbabwe.

Thapelo Morena scores a brace in WC qualifier match

South Africa top Group C alongside Benin and Rwanda. Zimbabwe are bottom of the group after another defeat while Bafana are joint first with two wins from four, matches.