2026 CAF WCQ: Nigeria Super Eagles play catch-up as South Africa take advantage of slip-up to go top

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa have taken control of Group C in the FIFA WCQ in Africa after seeing off Benin Republic.

South Africa defeated Benin 2-1 in a keenly contested clash to get off the mark in Durban on Saturday.

The Rainbow Nation was expected to win and did not disappoint despite a late fight from the visitors.

In the final game of the first round of matches in Group C, Percy Tau got things off to a perfect start when he fired the host in front after just two minutes.

South Africa will double their advantage just before the break, Khuliso Madua with their second of the day in added time of the first half.

Not go do down without a fight, the Benin Republic fought back after the break and was rewarded when Steve Mounie reduced the deficit with a fantastic strike in the 70th minute.

However, Mounie’s effort was nothing but a consolation as South Africa held on to get their campaign off to the perfect start with a victory.

Following the win against Benin, South Africa are now firmly in control of Group C.

The Bafana Bafana have opened a two-point lead at the top after recording the only win in round one, taking advantage of Nigeria’s shock result last Thursday.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to get the business done when they hosted Lesotho in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Super Eagles came from behind to salvage a point after a dull 1-1 draw against the Crocodiles, with Semi Ajayi the hero.

That result and Benin’s failure to do Jose Peseiro’s men a favour in Durban mean Nigeria now plays catch-up in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.