Solely the group leaders will safe tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification marketing campaign in good vogue after they defeated Benin Republic 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, Soccernet.ng reviews.

The Bafana Bafana are shut favourites with Nigeria to complete forward of Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe within the race to qualify for the following version of the Mundial.

And after Nigeria solely settled for a disappointing 1-1 draw with Lesotho on Thursday, South Africa made positive they didn’t fall into the identical entice as they noticed off the cussed problem of the Beninoise.

Former Brighton ahead Percy Tau gave the Bafana Bafana the lead with solely two minutes performed earlier than Khuliso Johnson Mudau doubled their benefit shortly earlier than the halftime break.

Brest striker Steve Mounié scored for Benin halfway by means of the second half to cut back the deficit for the Cheetahs.

Nonetheless, the West Africans, managed by former Tremendous Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, couldn’t muster the equaliser regardless of making a late flurry of possibilities.

The win sends South Africa to the highest of Group C, a place they are going to look to consolidate after they journey to face Rwanda on Tuesday, November 21.

With Rwanda taking part in a goalless draw with Zimbabwe on matchday one, the 2 groups are locked on one level with Nigeria and Lesotho.

The Tremendous Eagles might, nevertheless, flip issues round for the higher after they lock horns with Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda on Sunday.

The previous African champions will goal a fifth win in seven appearances towards the Warriors.