Nigeria's Hopes Diminish As South Africa Tighten Grip On Group C In African World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria's Hopes Diminish As South Africa Tighten Grip On Group C In African World Cup Qualifiers

By Niyi Busari 

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Africa gathered pace on Friday as South Africa extended their lead in Group C, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In another game, Burkina Faso delivered a six-goal masterclass, and Uganda revived their campaign with a commanding win. Tanzania secured a crucial away point, while Benin edged Zimbabwe to move into an automatic qualification spot.

Group A: Burkina Faso Crush Djibouti to Stay in Contention

Djibouti 0–6 Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso kept their qualification hopes alive in emphatic fashion, dismantling Djibouti 6–0 at a neutral venue. The West Africans scored four goals in the first half, with Constant Irie opening the scoring in the 16th minute after Dango Ouattara had missed an early penalty.

Jean Tiendrebeogo added a second before Edmond Tapsoba struck twice in quick succession (36’, 45’) to put the match beyond doubt. Ouattara made amends in the second half with a close-range finish on 59 minutes and converted a late penalty to complete the rout.

The result boosts Burkina Faso’s goal difference and keeps pressure on Group A leaders Egypt heading into the final qualification window.

Group C: South Africa in Control, Benin Leapfrog into Second

Lesotho 0–3 South Africa

Bafana Bafana continued their impressive run with a clinical 3–0 win over Lesotho in Maseru. Maloisane Nkota opened the scoring on 15 minutes from an Aubrey Modiba assist, before Lyle Foster doubled the advantage early in the second half.

Foster then turned provider just four minutes later, setting up Oswin Appollis for South Africa’s third. Hugo Broos’s side remain unbeaten and now top the group with 16 points, five clear of second-placed Benin.

Benin 1–0 Zimbabwe

In Cotonou, a late strike from Steve Mounié earned Benin a vital 1–0 victory over Zimbabwe. The Brest striker latched onto a cross from Youssouf Roche in the 77th minute to move the Squirrels into second place with 11 points.

Zimbabwe, despite solid defensive organization, remain bottom of the group with four points, while Rwanda (8) and Nigeria (7, with two games in hand) remain in the hunt.

Group E: Tanzania Rescue Late Point in Congo

Congo 1–1 Tanzania

A late equalizer from substitute Salum Mwalimu salvaged a draw for Tanzania in Brazzaville, preserving their second-place status behind Morocco in Group E.

Congo had taken the lead through Dylan Moussavou on 68 minutes, but Bernard Mzize’s creative buildup play allowed Mwalimu to level six minutes from time. With Morocco already qualified, Tanzania’s 10 points keep them three clear of both Zambia and Niger in the battle for the runners-up spot.

Group G: Uganda Run Riot to Revive Qualification Hopes

Uganda 4–0 Mozambique

Uganda produced their best performance of the campaign with a dominant 4–0 win over Mozambique in Kampala, a result that lifts them back into contention in Group G.

Allan Okello broke the deadlock early in the second half before Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, and Elia Capradossi added goals to seal the victory. Capradossi’s powerful header from a set-piece in the 90th minute capped a comprehensive performance.

The Cranes move level on nine points with Botswana, two behind Guinea (10). Mozambique remain second with 12 points, while Group leaders Algeria (18) maintain a six-point cushion.

What It Means Across the Groups

Group A: Burkina Faso’s 6–0 victory trims Egypt’s lead and significantly improves their goal difference—a potential tie-breaker down the line.

Group C: South Africa (16 points) solidify top spot; Benin (11) jump into second, while Rwanda (8) and Nigeria (7, with games in hand) face a must-win window.

Group E: Tanzania (10 points) remain in pole position for second place after salvaging a draw in Congo.

Group G: Uganda (9 points) re-enter the race; Mozambique’s heavy defeat could prove costly as Guinea and Botswana apply pressure.

Looking Ahead

With three matchdays remaining, every point—and every goal—now matters. While some groups are beginning to take shape, others are wide open, with runner-up positions and potential play-off berths up for grabs.