Bafana aim to tighten grip on Group C against Lesotho

BAFANA Bafana have been a team on the rise in recent years, and as they take another crucial step toward the 2026 Fifa World Cup, their next challenge comes in the form of neighbours Lesotho.

The two sides meet on Friday at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium (6pm kick-off), both with eyes set on strengthening their chances of reaching the global showpiece in North America, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

South Africa have already done the hard work, opening a five-point lead at the top of Group C. With all six teams having faced each other at least once, Hugo Broos' men enter this round of qualifiers firmly in control.

That advantage, however, does not mean the pressure is any less. With a daunting fixture against Nigeria to follow, any slip-up could quickly change the complexion of the group if Bafana take their foot off the pedal.

Here we will look at the five key talking points ahead of their clash against Lesotho:

Heart of defence faces reshuffle

Broos’ preparations have been disrupted by injuries to key figures who were instrumental in Bafana’s recent success — including their Africa Cup of Nations third-place finish last year. 

Regulars such as Grant Kekana and Nkosinathi Sibisi are sidelined, leaving an opening for the likes of 19-year-old Mbekezi Mbokazi or the dependable Thabo Moloisane to partner Siyabonga Ngezana. Facing Lesotho before Nigeria may prove a blessing in disguise, given the lesser attacking threat on paper.

History will not count for much

South Africa claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture thanks to goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams when the two sides met earlier this year. While Bafana have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, football has shown time and again that underdogs can upset the odds, and Bafana can ill afford to be caught off guard.

Lesotho carry their own threat

Although Lesotho are unable to host matches within their borders due to stadium requirements, they are no strangers to playing in South Africa. Their only win of the qualifiers — a 2-0 triumph over Zimbabwe — came at Orlando Stadium last year. 

Mathematically still in contention, Lesotho will view this as a golden chance to close the gap on the leaders, as it gives them a chance to revive their campaign while preventing the lead from stretching out of reach.

Case of consequence still unresolved

The unresolved eligibility case regarding Teboho Mokoena continues to cast a shadow over the group. Fifa has remained tight-lipped on the matter, but Lesotho have threatened to take action should he feature against them on Friday. 

For Bafana, the best way forward is to handle business on the pitch convincingly, ensuring their qualification hopes remain unaffected regardless of off-field disputes.

Injuries create opportunities

While missing key players is never ideal before such crucial fixtures, it does open the door for fringe players to step up. With the Africa Cup of Nations also on the horizon later this year, the coming matches present an opportunity for new faces to stake a permanent claim in the national setup.