Substitute Thapelo Morena scored twice to guide Bafana Bafana to a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday. The victory keeps South Africa level with Group C leaders Rwanda on seven points, with goal difference separating the two sides.
Bafana started brightly but were quickly pegged back as Zimbabwe equalised within a minute of South Africa taking the lead. Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring after Zimbabwe defender Munashe Garananga mishandled a back pass 35 seconds into the match. Tawanda Chirewa then capitalised on defensive lapses to level the score, leaving Bafana frustrated despite several missed opportunities before halftime.
Chances for Rayners, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, and Themba Zwane were thwarted by composure issues and goalkeeper Geoffrey Chitsumba, leaving the score at 1-1 until coach Hugo Broos introduced Morena at the start of the second half.
Morena struck ten minutes after coming on, finishing off a fumble by Chitsumba from Appollis’ cross to put Bafana ahead. He completed his brace in the 74th minute, rounding Chitsumba to secure a two-goal cushion for South Africa. The win also puts Bafana ahead of Benin, who are also on seven points.
Coach Hugo Broos had emphasized that anything less than a win would have been a setback for Bafana, who aim to secure four points from their matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe. With six qualifying matches remaining, Broos expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting that some opponents are hosting matches in South Africa due to inadequate FIFA-approved facilities in their own countries.
