Zimbabwe’s Warriors remain winless in the ongoing CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers after a 3-1 defeat to South Africa’ s Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening. The loss marks another setback for the team, which has now drawn twice and suffered two defeats in their campaign.
The match got off to a dramatic start when Bafana Bafana’s Iqraam Rayners capitalized on a defensive mistake by Munashe Garan’anga, netting the opener in the very first minute. The Warriors responded quickly, with Tawanda Chirewa equalizing just 60 seconds later, offering hope for the Warriors.
South Africa came close to regaining the lead in the first half, but an offside call denied Rayners a second goal. Zimbabwe’s young forward Chirewa also posed a threat, with Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulling off a crucial save to keep the score level.
In the second half, South Africa edged ahead again after Oswin Appolis’ cross found Thapelo Morena, who tapped in to make it 2-1 following a handling error by Warriors goalkeeper Geoffrey Chitsumba. Morena later secured his brace, rounding Chitsumba to finish off a counter-attack set up by Teboho Mokoena, sealing the 3-1 win for South Africa.
The victory boosts South Africa’s standing in Group C, which includes Rwanda, Benin, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Nigeria. Rwanda currently leads the group after a narrow 1-0 win against Lesotho. Three teams—Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin—are now tied on seven points following crucial victories on matchday four.
The CAF World Cup qualifiers will resume in March 2025, with Zimbabwe set to host Benin on the 17th and face Nigeria on the 24th in back-to-back fixtures.
Teams: South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Mothobi Mvala, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Siphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis (Relebohile Mofokeng 90min), Elias Mokwana (Thapelo Morena 46min), Iqraam Rayners.
Zimbabwe: Geoffrey Chitsumba, Godknows Murwira, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Divine Lunga, Walter Musona (Tymon Machope 89min), Richard Hachiro, Andy Rinomhota (Jordan Zemura 89min), Marshal Munetsi, Douglas Mapfumo (Daniel Msendami 46min), Tawanda Chirewa (Tawanda Maswanhise 90min).