Foster, Adams goals propel Bafana to victory in World Cup qualifier
Bafana Bafana earned a crucial 2-0 win over Benin in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier encounter, thanks to goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams at Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday night.
Benin hosted Hugo Broos’ men in Côte d’Ivoire as none of the stadiums in their country meet the standards set for international football games.
The last time Benin locked horns with South Africa, the West African nation succumbed to 2-1 defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 18 November 2023. Percy Tau and Khuliso Mudau scored for Bafana on that day, while Steve Mounie netted the consolation goal for Benin.
South Africa set the pace in the first half, controlling the game, while the hosts found it difficult to break through the defence of Bafana and generate clear opportunities.
The encounter saw Tau earn his 50th Bafana cap, becoming the 36th player to reach the milestone.
On the other hand, South Africa were dealt a blow, missing key player Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns, who was withdrawn from the Benin game following a contentious situation involving his appearance against Lesotho after receiving two yellow cards.
Mokoena accumulated two yellow cards, one against Benin on November 18, 2023, and another against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2024. Consequently, he should have served a suspension during Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday, 21 March 2025.
BENIN AND BAFANA BAFANA WENT INTO THE HALFTIME BREAK LEVEL
The two countries entered halftime with a score of 0-0, as they couldn’t penetrate each other’s defence.
Bafana came back with renewed confidence in the second stanza, approaching Benin’s goal multiple times before ultimately taking the lead with Lyle Foster scoring in the 53rd minute of the contest.
Sundowns’ standout player Jayden Adams added to the scoreline in the 84th minute of the showpiece to make it 2-0 in favour of Bafana.
With the victory, South Africa consolidated their top spot in Group C with 13 points after six matches. Their group consists of Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
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