South Africa and Nigeria earn a point each following a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein.
The Bafana Bafana went ahead in the 25th minute through an own goal from Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong, but the Super Eagles bounced back shortly before half-time via a header by Calvin Bassey.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification appears to be doubtful as the Super Eagles
need to finish in the top two of Group C to have a shot at World Cup qualification.
Following the 1-1 draw with South Africa, they need to win their remaining matches — against Lesotho and Benin — and also hope others in their group drop points.
Analysts believe that qualification for next year’s World Cup is looking unlikely for the Super Eagles who have played at the World Cup six times but missed the last edition in Qatar in 2022.
South Africa now retain six-point lead in Group C, Nigeria find themselves in trouble.Bafana Bafana have 17 points, sitting six points ahead of Nigeria, who have 11 points and provisionally moved to second spot.
However, Nigeria could slip further down the table when third-ranked Benin play Lesotho later on Tuesday. Both Nigeria and Benin have 11 points each, with Nigeria sitting above them on goal difference.
Rwanda, who also have 11 points, are fourth, while Lesotho are fifth, and Zimbabwe are bottom with four points.
The match started with South Africa pressing early, looking to capitalise on home advantage. Nigeria had the first corner in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a cross from the right, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Foster cleared the ball with a header.
South Africa threatened on the counter following the corner, with Nkota sprinting forward after a long ball from midfield, only to be denied by a swift save from Nigeria keeper NWABALI.
The game’s first booking came in the 18th minute, with South Africa’s Ngezana and Nigeria’s Lookman receiving yellow cards. Shortly after, Ola Aina was forced off due to a hamstring injury following a challenge from Kabini. Bright Osayi-Samuel came on as his replacement.
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South Africa broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. A superb through ball from midfielder Mokoena found Nkota on the flank. Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong inadvertently deflected Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving the hosts the lead. By this point, South Africa had dominated possession (58 percent) and created more attempts (two) compared to Nigeria’s zero.
Despite trailing, Nigeria pushed forward. Osayi-Samuel showed early promise down the right wing but was met by three defenders who regained possession for the hosts. The first half saw intense moments, including a minor tussle between players that required the referee’s intervention.
Nigeria found a dramatic equaliser just before the break. Lookman initiated the move from central midfield, finding Simon on the right, whose cross was headed home by Bassey. Replays suggested the ball may have struck Bassey’s arm, but with no VAR in the match, the goal stood.
The referee signalled three minutes of added time, and the first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1. South Africa aim to extend their lead at the top of the group, while Nigeria hope the result boosts their bid to move into second place.
