Zimbabwe (0)
South Africa (0)
South Africa's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup took a significant blow as a determined, 10-man Zimbabwe side held them to a goalless draw in a tightly contested qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The stalemate leaves Bafana Bafana trailing group leaders Benin and facing a must-win final matchday.
Zimbabwe, already eliminated and playing solely for pride, delivered a valiant defensive performance, particularly after being reduced to 10 men for the final 26 minutes of the match.
The result has severe implications for South Africa in Group C, especially after Benin's crucial 1-0 victory over Rwanda placed the Cheetahs two points clear at the summit with 17 points. South Africa now sits in second with 15 points, while Nigeria moved into third with 14 after their 2-1 win against Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana now need to beat Rwanda on Tuesday and hope that Nigeria defeats Benin to sneak back into the top spot.
The match itself was not a classic, with the high stakes seemingly weighing heavily on the South African players. As expected, Bafana Bafana dominated the early exchanges but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-marshalled Warriors defence.
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Zimbabwe, with veterans like Washington Arubi in goal and Knowledge Musona upfront, slowly grew into the game.
Just a quarter of an hour in, Jordan Zemura and Musona tested South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in quick succession, serving a reminder of their threat.
The hosts nearly broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Sipho Mbule's speculative low shot from distance almost crept in at the far post, only for Arubi to get down well and keep it out.
South Africa's frustration mounted when Mohau Nkota beat Arubi from outside the box late in the half, but the ball agonizingly bounced off the outside of the upright post and back into play.
Zimbabwe weathered the late onslaught to reach the break level.
Early in the second half, South Africa finally managed to carve open the Warriors' defence.
Lyle Foster went through on goal, beat Arubi, but his curling shot from an angle was brilliantly headed off the line by Devine Lunga, keeping the score at 0-0.
Disaster struck for Zimbabwe in the 64th minute when their captain, Knowledge Musona, was sent off for a second bookable offence.
With the numerical advantage, the match turned into a one-way attack as Zimbabwe adopted a valiant siege mentality. Despite all their possession, South Africa continued to be denied.
Foster hit the upright post again eight minutes from time after being picked out by Khuliso Mudau.
In a final moment of drama, substitute Walter Musona nearly stole an unlikely victory for Zimbabwe in the final minute, but Williams was alert to tip his swerving freekick over the bar, ensuring the match ended in a frustrating goalless draw for the hosts.
The result means Zimbabwe will take pride from a resolute performance, having played the final 26 minutes a man down, while South Africa is left to rue a missed opportunity that has put their World Cup dreams in serious jeopardy.
Teams
Zimbabwe: W Arubi, J Zemura M Garan’anga ( E Jalai 86'), D Lunga( B Antonio 86'), K Billiat ( W Musona 86'), T Hadebe, K Musona, M Nakamba (J Fabisch 89'), G Takwara, M Munetsi, T Chirewa (T Maswanhise 59')
South Africa: R Williams, M Mbokazi, K Mudau, N Sibisi, A Modiba (E Makgopa 84'), T Mokoena, S Sithole, S Mbule, O Appollis ( T Moremi 79'), M Nkota, L Foster
