South Africa face Lesotho in crucial World Cup qualifier

Relebogile Mofokeng

image: Goal.com

by Lwandiso Simanga 

South Africa resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday when they face Lesotho in a vital Group C clash. For Bafana Bafana, the encounter represents another step towards returning to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Lesotho, known as the Crocodiles, will be eager to upset the odds and keep their qualification hopes alive, though they face a stern challenge against the favourites.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos will have to make do without several key players. Defender Khuliso Mudau is sidelined due to lack of match fitness, while injuries have ruled out Patrick Maswanganyi and Ime Okon. Their places have been filled by Sipho Mbule and Thabo Moloisane. Playmaker Themba Zwane is also unavailable, leaving a creative gap in midfield.

Attention will turn to 20-year-old Kaizer Chiefs talent Mduduzi Shabalala, who has been handed an opportunity to impress on the international stage. His performance could prove decisive as South Africa look to build momentum in the qualifiers.

With both sides chasing their World Cup dream, the fixture promises intensity and high stakes as Group C begins to take shape.