South Africa will draw 1-1 against Nigeria in Group C in CAF Qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Released on September 9, 2025
South Africa took one step closer to the FIFA 2026 World Cup with a 1-1 home draw against Nigeria. He faces a nervous final two qualifying matches in the African Football Federation (CAF) group stage.
Bafana Bafana led the group C encounter at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa on Tuesday when Super Eagles captain William Tolstoekon passed his net in the 25th minute.
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Calvin Bassy leveled out for Nigeria when he got home in the final minute of the first half.
As a result, South Africa cleared six points at the top of the group and played two games.
Nigeria climbed to the second spot before Benin, who played Lesotho in the game after the subsequent games, about the difference in goals.
The Super Eagles will host Benin at home on October 13th, after leaving Lesotho on October 6th.
If Nigeria cannot finish in the top two of the group, they will not qualify for the World Cup.
The first place finish, which appears to be inevitable for South Africa in the match between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, guarantees automatic qualification.
Second place offers a chance to be four best runner-ups in nine groups of the nine CAF qualifying groups that advance to FIFA’s Intercontinental Playoffs in the 2026 final.
Egyptian coaches celebrate despite the World Cup waiting
Egyptian bids to secure their qualifying for the World Cup were put on hold after a 0-0 draw with Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Flat Group A’s encounter at Ougadugou.
Hossam Hassan’s unbeaten side moved to 20 points, leading Group A with five points ahead of Burkina Faso, with two matches left in qualifying.
As only the winners of the group are automatically qualifying, the seven-time African champions will need two points from the last two games to ensure a spot and a fourth appearance in the World Cup. They will face Djibouti and Guinea Bissau in October.
However, Egyptian coach Hassan celebrated the outcome. It took his side a step closer to reach the 48-team tournament to be held in North America next year.
“It’s a great day for the people of Egypt. I would like to thank all the players for their efforts against the Vandesliga and the tough teams of the League 1, both of which are the Premier League players.”
“Even though we played for Burkina Faso, we played positively and created great opportunities, and at the same time we kept the balance.
Egypt broke early when Manchester City forward Omar Marmash was kicked out due to an injury in the 9th minute.
Their best moment came in the 67th minute when Mohamed Sara founded Osama Faisal, but the alternative strike was dominated offside.
Egyptian Trezeguet had his first chance in the game, but his efforts were saved by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Helv Kofi.
The home side was rarely attacked, and Sunderland forward Bertrand Trore led most of their best efforts.
Egypt approached grabbing the winner in the final moments, but Mostafa Mohamed missed two opportunities.
The greatest Egyptian goal scorer ever, Hassan will be the first person to lead his team to the World Cup as a player and coach.
The 59-year-old coach said, “My goal was to coach the Egyptian national team. I’ve always dreamed of that. I want to make the fans dream come true and live up to their trust.”
