World Cup 2026 (Q): South Africa defeats Benin to remain group C leader

Benin fell 2-0 to South Africa at home on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the 6th day of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The Cheetahs suffered their second defeat while the Bafana Bafana strengthened their position as leaders of group C.

Gernot Rohr's men hosted South Africa tonight at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. From the kickoff, the South Africans displayed unwavering determination. Their high pressing and ball control quickly troubled the Cheetahs, who struggled to get out of their own half. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate.

Returning from the locker rooms, Lyle Foster opened the scoring with a fine pass from Fawaaz Basadien in the 53rd minute of play.

In the 84th minute, the Bafana Bafana seized another chance to shake the nets of the Beninese camp. Assisted by Oswin Appollis, Jayden Adams doubled the lead and sealed South Africa's victory. Returning to the squad after Hugo Broos's punishment, the Mamelodi Sundowns FC player marked his comeback with a brilliant performance. South Africa won 2-0 against Benin and retained the top spot in group C with 13 points accumulated over the six completed qualifying days.

Before this match, Benin was in second place in the group with 8 points, two points behind South Africa. A victory would have allowed the Cheetahs to take the lead in the group. However, this defeat relegates them to third place, behind Rwanda, complicating their path to direct qualification.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.