Warriors Show Grit in Goalless Draw Against Bafana Bafana

The Warriors produced a spirited performance to hold South Africa to a 0–0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C qualifier, played in front of a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday night.

In a match that had everything – passion, tension, and drama – both sides finished with ten men after a fiercely contested encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

South Africa enjoyed the lion’s share of possession throughout the game, dictating play for long periods, but Zimbabwe stood firm, defending with organisation and resilience. Goalkeeper Washington Arubi was called into action on several occasions, pulling off crucial saves to deny the hosts, while the ever-reliable Divine Lunga produced a moment of brilliance with a goal-line clearance to keep the Warriors level.

Bafana Bafana came close to breaking the deadlock twice, striking the woodwork as they pressed forward in search of a breakthrough. Yet, despite being reduced to ten men after captain Knowledge Musona was shown a second yellow card midway through the second half, Zimbabwe remained resolute — and even dangerous on the counter.

As the match entered its closing stages, the Warriors began to grow in confidence. Walter Musona saw his long-range free kick tipped over the bar by Ronwen Williams, while a sweeping counter-attack moments later nearly produced a winner. Musona’s low drive was blocked in the box amid desperate South African defending, and Jordan Zemura’s follow-up effort flashed narrowly wide of the post.

Tensions flared in stoppage time when Bafana centreback Mbokazi was shown a straight red card following a tussle with Tawanda Maswanhise, ensuring both teams finished the contest with ten men.

At the final whistle, the Warriors could hold their heads high. It was a disciplined and determined display from Michael Nee’s men – one that showcased the team’s fighting spirit, tactical maturity, and willingness to compete with the very best on the continent.

The Warriors now turn their attention to their final Group C fixture against Lesotho, in a match that will be played on Monday in Polokwane.

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