DURBAN – Zimbabwe’s Warriors produced a spirited performance to hold South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a goalless draw in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.
Though already eliminated from contention for a World Cup berth, the Warriors displayed pride and resilience, denying their southern neighbours a crucial victory that could prove costly in their qualification hopes. For South Africa, it felt like two points dropped; for Zimbabwe, a hard-earned point to remember.
South Africa entered the clash needing a win to boost their campaign after being docked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, sat bottom of Group C with four points from eight matches and no wins, having lost the reverse fixture 3–1 in Bloemfontein last year.
Yet under the Durban floodlights, the underdogs fought valiantly. Reduced to ten men with 25 minutes remaining after captain Knowledge Musona was sent off for a second yellow card, the Warriors dug deep to frustrate Bafana Bafana in front of a 56,000-strong crowd.
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi delivered one of his finest performances in national colours, making several crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay. South Africa’s Oswin Appolis, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, and Lyle Foster all came close, but Arubi and his backline stood resolute.
Zimbabwe even had a golden chance to snatch victory late on when Jordan Zemura unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the upright, with South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams well beaten.
After the match, Warriors coach Michael Nees praised his side’s discipline and unity:
“The game showed that football can be entertaining even without goals. It was a fair contest, full of drama, but played in good spirit. I’m proud of how the players fought after the red card — we showed real team spirit and with a bit of luck, we could have won,” Nees said.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admitted frustration with the result but acknowledged Zimbabwe’s determination.
“We tried everything but luck wasn’t on our side — one chance cleared off the line, another hit the post. Zimbabwe were very motivated, and it was tough breaking them down. It’s disappointing, but we must regroup for the final match,” Broos told SABC Sport.
The draw leaves South Africa’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread as both Benin and Nigeria recorded victories in their respective fixtures, tightening the race for the group’s sole World Cup slot.
For Zimbabwe, though assured of finishing last in Group C, the performance offered pride and vindication — a reminder that the Warriors, when united, can still stand tall among Africa’s footballing elite.
Teams
Zimbabwe: Washington Arubi, Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garananga, Divine Lunga, Teenage Hadebe, Gerald Takwara, Marvelous Nakamba, Marshal Munetsi, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Tawanda Chirewa.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appolis, Aubrey Modiba, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sipho Mbule.
Full-Time: Zimbabwe 0–0 South Africa.
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.
