South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have taken a firm hold on Nigeria's 2026 World Cup aspirations following a dominant 2-0 victory over Benin Republic.

The South Africans secured a crucial win in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, strengthening their position at the top of Group C in the African qualification campaign.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, although South Africa created the better opportunities.

Benin started the second half with some promise, but defensive errors cost them dearly. In the 52nd minute, South Africa broke the deadlock as Lyle Foster found space in the box and slotted past Benin's goalkeeper, Dandjinou.

Benin failed to generate a significant response, and South Africa sealed the win in the 84th minute when Jayden Adams rose highest to meet a precise free-kick delivery, heading the ball into the net.

Despite Benin’s earlier successes in the qualifiers, including a 2-1 win over Nigeria, they couldn't break through South Africa's resolute defense.

The second goal sent the South African supporters into jubilation as they held on for a vital three points in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This result extends South Africa’s lead in Group C, with only four matches remaining for each team.

In other group matches, Rwanda played out a 1-1 draw against Lesotho, while Nigeria was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Zimbabwe.