Bafana Bafana took another crucial step towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal for Bafana, while Calvin Bassey equalised for Nigeria.
Hugo Broos made four changes from the team that started against Lesotho. Thabo Moloisane, Aubrey Modiba, Thalente Mbatha and Nyiko Mobbie making way for Siyabonga Ngezana, Samukelo Kabini, Bathusi Aubaas and Zuko Mdunyelwa.
Early injury woes struck Nigeria once again, as Ola Aina was substituted for Bright Osayi-Samuel in a familiar sight from their last match.
The hosts, Bafana, quickly created the first big scoring opportunity when Mohau Nkota’s header went over the bar following a well-placed cross from Oswin Appollis.
Eric Chelle’s men responded by frustrating the home side’s attempts to build from the back. However, the hosts still found a way through, forcing a crucial save from the Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to deny a powerful close-range shot from Appollis.
The Bafana breakthrough came in the 25th minute, but it was a moment to forget for Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong, whose own goal from a Mohau Nkota cross gave South Africa a 1-0 advantage.
The Super Eagles piled up a few attempts to bounce back into the game before the half-time break, and Calvin Bassey managed to level the scoreline, heading home a cross from Osayi-Samuel, albeit the ball his arm before it went in.
From half-time, Nigeria made an attack-minded change, taking off Cyril Dessers for Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, who scored in their previous match against Rwanda.
Early in the second half, Nigeria went on the attack, pushing for a second goal. A forced substitution occurred for Bafana in the 60th minute when Mdunyelwa exited the game with a knock, replaced by Thabo Monyane.
The match then entered a phase with few scoring opportunities for either side, as both teams fought for control in the midfield.
With neither between the two rattling the back of the net again, the match ended with a draw with both teams sharing points – a result that benefits Bafana more as they kept the Super Eagles six points away from the top spot with just two qualifiers left to be played.
