Staff Reporter.
@GalloImages.
South Africa secured a 2-0 victory over Lesotho in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Peter Mokaba stadium on Friday evening.
Bafana Bafana had to endure a frustrating first hour of the match, before goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams took them to victory – and first place in the group standings, as they now enjoy a two-point lead over second-placed Benin.
As for Likoena, this second defeat sees them drop to fifth place (second from bottom) – five points off the pace set by their opponents.
South Africa controlled the game from early on, but were left frustrated in their attempts to break the deadlock through the first half.
Mofokeng showed early promise, shooting wide in the eighth minute and testing out Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane on the quarter hour mark, while Percy Tau sent a drive into the side netting from the left of the penalty area midway through the first half.
Bafana Bafana finally broke through in the 61st minute, with Elias Mokwana tearing into the Lesotho backline from the right flank, and taking several defenders out of the game, before teeing up Mofokeng, who whipped a shot past the right hand of Moerane to make it 1-0.
The goal saw South Africa’s confidence soar and a superbly-crafted second arrived just a few minutes later, with an intricate passing move setting up Adams.The midfielder saw his initial effort blocked by a defender, but the rebound came straight back to him and he was able to steer home a second shot for 2-0.
The hosts had chances to add to their advantage – most notably from Tau and substitute Iqraam Rayners – but ultimately settled for a comfortable and deserved triumph which could be a major step on the road back to the World Cup.
The teams will return to Group C action on Tuesday, 25 April, with South Africa away to Benin in neutral Abidjan, and Lesotho visiting Rwanda in Kigali.
Meanwhile Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 comfortably at the Amahoro Stadium in their World Cup qualifier on Friday evening.
Elsewhere former Manchester United assistant coach and South Africa star Benni McCarthy debuted as Kenya boss with a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a World Cup qualifying thriller on Thursday.