Warriors upset Bafana Bafana following 0-0 draw in World Cup Qualifier

By Sports Reporter

THE Warriors staged an upset against South Africa on Friday evening after salvaging a 0-0 draw in a World Cup Qualifier played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Although the match was a dead rubber for Zimbabwe, the result had a significant impact on South Africa, who are in the race for a World Cup qualification ticket.

Friday’s draw left South Africa on 15 points, two points behind Benin, who beat Rwanda to stretch their lead at the top of Group C.

Speaking of the match, Zimbabwe did not create many chances in the first half, which was largely dominated by South Africa, who almost scored in the 43rd minute through Mohau Nkota, who was denied by the upright post.

In the second half, Lilly Foster almost scored after he dribbled past goalkeeper Washington Arubi, only to be denied by Divine Lunga, who cleared his shot off the line.

Zimbabwe suffered a huge setback 18 minutes into the second half when Knowledge Musona was red-carded following a second yellow card booking.

Zimbabwe’s hero of the day was Arubi, who made three crucial saves in the last moments of the game to secure the result.

The Warriors remain bottom and winless in the campaign, with 5 points, which is 12 points behind log leaders Benin.

Zimbabwe faces Lesotho on Monday at Peter Mokaba Stadium in the final match of the campaign.

Group C Standings:

1. Benin – 17 points

2. South Africa – 15 points

3. Nigeria – 14 points

4. Rwanda – 11 points

5. Lesotho – 9 points

6. Zimbabwe – 5 points.