Bafana Bafana remain top of Group C in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
The result leaves South Africa on 17 points, six points clear of Nigeria with only two matches left to play.
Coach Hugo Broos’ side took the lead when Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal in the 25th minute.
Nigeria equalised just before halftime through Calvin Bassey, although television replays showed the ball went in off his hand. The referee allowed the goal to stand, and both sides eventually settled for a point each.
Broos praised his players for their fight, saying:
“It may not have been good football at times, not at all, but the way they fought for every ball was nice to see for a coach.”
Current standings in Group C
After Tuesday’s results, the Group C table looks as follows:
- South Africa (Bafana Bafana): 17 points, +8 goal difference
- Benin: 14 points, +4 goal difference
- Nigeria: 11 points
- Rwanda: 11 points
- Lesotho: eliminated
Benin kept their hopes alive with a 4-0 win over Lesotho, closing the gap to three points behind Bafana.
What Bafana Bafana need to qualify
With two matches left, the permutations are clear:
- One win from the last two games (against Zimbabwe and Rwanda) will almost certainly secure qualification.
- Four points from the two games (one win and one draw) will guarantee qualification.
- If South Africa finishes level on points with Benin, tie-breakers will be used in this order: points, goal difference, goals scored, and then head-to-head record. Bafana have already beaten Benin both home and away, so they hold the advantage.
- Nigeria and Rwanda can only reach a maximum of 17 points, which means they cannot overtake South Africa if Bafana earn even one more point.
The possible complication – FIFA ruling
There is still some uncertainty. FIFA is considering docking Bafana three points over the Teboho Mokoena yellow-card case.
If that happens, South Africa’s tally would drop to 14 points, and their goal difference would fall from +8 to +3. This would move Benin into first place and reopen the group.
For now, the team remains focused on their final fixtures, knowing they are in control of their destiny.