South Africa strengthened their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday.
The victory keeps Bafana Bafana five points clear at the top of Group C after match day seven.
The hosts were hit by an early injury blow as Nyiko Mobbie was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa in the sixth minute following a head knock.
South Africa opened the scoring just after the 15-minute mark, with Mohau Nkota finishing a lofted cross from Aubrey Modiba for his first senior international goal.
The first half was disrupted by fouls, and both teams struggled to find rhythm, but South Africa went into the break 1-0 ahead.
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Lesotho suffered another setback in the second half when Thabo Moloisane also required a head injury substitution, replaced by Khulumani Ndamane.
Oswin Appollis of South Africa shoots and scores during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 match between Lesotho and South Africa at Free State Stadium, in Bloemfontein on 05 September 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
South Africa tightened their grip on the game in the 63rd minute when Lyle Foster capitalised on a spilled shot from Modiba to make it 2-0.
Four minutes later, Foster set up Oswin Appollis, who scored to make it 3-0 and effectively seal the win.
The remainder of the match saw South Africa control possession and manage the game comfortably.
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South Africa sit top on 16 points, followed by Benin Republic on 11. Rwanda, who face Nigeria tomorrow, are third with 8 points, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria are fourth with 7 points.
Next Tuesday, South Africa host Nigeria in Bloemfontein, while Lesotho travel to face Benin in Abidjan.
