Bafana Bafana mentor Hugo Broos could only watch as his side threw everything at Zimbabwe, but the ball did everything but cross the goal line.
The 0–0 draw now dents South Africa’s push to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving fans with more questions than a big celebration.
The night had started well enough. Bafana Bafana pressed high, using Mohau Nkota’s and Oswin Appollis’s pace to test Zimbabwe’s deep defence.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: ZIMBABWE 0-0 BAFANA BAFANA
Just before half-time, Nkota fired an electric shot from outside the box, but it smacked off the post with Washington Arubi beaten.
During halftime, Bafana Bafana coach Broos made a double change. Thapelo Morena and Bathusi Aubaas came on for Nkota and Sphephelo Sithole.
Lyle Foster looked to have scored in the 54th minute, but Divine Lunga cleared his shot off the line.
Knowledge Musona reduced the Warriors to 10 men when he received a second yellow card in the 63rd minute.
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Foster hit the inside of the post late in the 82nd minute, before Mbekezeli Mbokazi was given his marching orders after a second booking within two minutes in stoppage time.
The final whistle dropped like a hammer at Moses Mabhida. Meanwhile, Benin stunned Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali, increasing their lead at the top to 17 points. Bafana Bafana now sit second on 15, and the 2026 dream is left uncertain.
Everything comes down to Tuesday. South Africa will host Rwanda at Mbombela, while Benin travel to Nigeria. Both games kick off at 18:00.
The calculation is simple for Bafana Bafana: Win and pray Nigeria does them a favour. If Benin draws, goal difference takes over, but right now, Benin have a two-goal advantage.
