SOUTH AFRICA took the leadership position in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying group with a 2-1 victory over Benin Republic in Durban today.
Percy Tau and Khuliso Mudau scored for South Africa before Steve Mounie pulled one back for Benin Republic, who are incidentally handled by former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr.
Bafana Bafana were quick out of the blocks and were in front after just two minutes when Al Ahly of Egypt star Tau struck.
Tau was close to adding a second for South Africa but was stopped by the Benin Republic goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe in the 32nd minute.
The hosts still extended their lead before half-time as Mudau netted in the 45th minute.
South Africa were unable to add to their lead in the second half, instead it was the Squirrels who cut the gap to one goal as Mounie netted in the 69th minute.
Benin Republic pushed for the equalising goal but South Africa held them off and became the only team in African qualifying Group C to win on matchday 1.
Coincidentally, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos was in charge of Cameroon in 2017 when they Rohr’s Nigeria beat them to the Russia 2018 World Cup ticket.
South Africa are on top of the table with three points, followed by Nigeria, Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, who all drew their opening matches, on one point each.
Benin Republic are bottom of the pile with no points and face Lesotho on Tuesday while South Africa are away to Rwanda on the same day.
Nigeria battle Zimbabwe tomorrow in Rwanda in the first fixture of matchday 2.
