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Talking points as Bafana defeat Benin in WC qualifiers opener

Otis Ntshangase18 November 2023Last Updated: 18 November 2023

1 minute read

Bafana Bafana players celebrate a goal as they defeat Benin in 2026 World Cup qualifiers — Bafana Bafana players

Bafana Bafana got their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifying campaign to a good start when they edged Benin 2-1 on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Percy Tau opened the scoresheet two minutes into the game, while Khuliso Mudau doubled the lead at the stroke of half-time. For the visitors, Steve Mounie pulled one back in the 70th minute.

Here are the talking points as the 1996 AFCON champions outclassed Benin.

EVIDENCE MAKGOPA STARTS AS BAFANA DEFEAT BENIN

Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa made a return to the Bafana fold after a year, starting in attack for the hosts. His absence from the national team was due to a long-term injury. The 23-year-old’s last game was against Morocco in the 2024 AFCON qualifiers.

Percy Tau was instrumental as Bafana defeated Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers — Percy Tau in action against Benin in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

POOR FAN TURNOUT AT MOSES MABHIDA

Once again, the national team played in front of a disappointing crowd. The KZN supporters didn’t come out in their large numbers to rally behind the team.

On Friday, Stadium Management confirmed that 10,000 tickets had been purchased.

CLINICAL BAFANA BAFANA IN FRONT OF GOAL

It was a dream start for the home side, as they opened the scoring as early as two minutes. Talisman Percy Tau put the hosts ahead following a beautiful team play.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau made it 2-0 just moments before the first half ended finishing from close range.

Of course, Bafana could have scored more goals, had they taken their chances.

UNCAPPED PLAYERS DIDN’T FEATURE

Coach Hugo Broos didn’t use any of the new players who were expecting their national team debuts. These are namely; Bradley Cross, Thapelo Xoki, Jayden Adams, Elias Mokwana and Oswin Appollis.

Bafana defeating Benin saw them climb to the summit of the group with three points after the first round of the matches.

In other first matches in the group, Nigeria were frustrated to a 1-1 draw against Lesotho, while Rwanda and Zimbabwe played out to a 0-0 draw.

South Africa’s next assignment will see them on the road as they will take on Rwanda away from home. Kickoff on Tuesday at Huye Stadium is set for 3pm.