KAOFELA: Impressive Bafana Bafana secure momentum-shifting win over Zimbabwe in World Cup qualifier at a bouncing Free State Stadium

In an incredible opening passage, the scores were tied at 1-1 after just two minutes as Iqraam Rayners pounced on a defensive error to punish the visitors, before Zimbabwe almost immediately responded a mere minute later.

READ: BAFANA BAFANA: Midfielder Sphephelo Sithole praises Broos’ man-management skills

Both sides continued to play with attacking intent for the remainder of a frenetic first half with Bafana Bafana enjoying the better chances.

Hugo Broos’ side impressively grew in confidence after the first half and looked excellent in possession spearheaded by tricky talisman Themba Zwane.

Marauding defender Thapelo Morena finished off another slick passing move to give the home side the lead in the 55th minute in front of a jubilant Free State Stadium.

Morena then again extended Bafana’s lead in the 76th minute by rounding the stranded Zimbabwe goalkeeper Godfrey Chitsumba after being played in classily by midfielder Teboho Mokoena with a defence-splitting pass.

Bafana threatened to extend their lead even further but failed to convert several guilt-edged chances in the closing stages with the scores remaining unchanged in an impressive win.

The result sees Bafana move to second in Group C on seven points at the top of the standings, behind Rwanda by merely goal difference.

Three sides are tied at the top of an intriguing Group C all on seven points with Benin alongside the two aforementioned teams at the summit.

Bafana have six remaining World Cup qualifiers to contest with five of those fixtures to be played in South Africa as Hugo Broos’ side moved into the inside lane in the race for the 2026 World Cup.