Bafana Bafana
By Sello Masilo
In a thrilling Matchday 5 encounter in Group C of the “2026 World Cup Qualifiers,” “Bafana Bafana” clinched a decisive “2-0” victory over “Lesotho” at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. “Relebohile Ratomo” broke the deadlock in the “60th minute,” followed by “Jayden Adams” sealing the win just four minutes later in the “64th minute.” This result not only strengthens South Africa’s position in the qualification race but also underscores their dominance and attacking flair in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Form Guide: South Africa in Top Shape, Lesotho Struggling
“Bafana Bafana” approached this fixture in scintillating form, riding a three-match winning streak and an impressive 15-game unbeaten run. Their most recent outing saw them thrash South Sudan 3-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, with Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Teboho Mokoena finding the net. This attacking prowess was evident against “Lesotho,” as South Africa controlled proceedings with a staggering 82% possession in their previous match.
In stark contrast, “Lesotho” arrived battered after a 7-0 drubbing by Morocco in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Honneur Stadium in Oujda. Restricted to just 32% possession and one shot on target, their struggles continued from a 1-0 loss to Rwanda in their last World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Historically, “Lesotho” have failed to score in 13 of their last 20 matches, a trend that persisted in this encounter.
Match Highlights: A Tale of Persistence and Precision
The Peter Mokaba Stadium buzzed with anticipation as “Bafana Bafana” and “Lesotho” kicked off this crucial qualifier. South Africa asserted early dominance, with “Relebohile Ratomo” firing a shot wide in the 8th minute. Despite their control, the home side couldn’t breach “Lesotho’s” resolute defense in the first half. Percy Tau came close in the 24th minute with a left-footed effort that narrowly missed, while “Lesotho” mustered a rare chance in the 28th minute via a Tshwarelo Bereng free kick that sailed wide.
The first half ended goalless, with the referee adding just one minute of stoppage time. However, the second half saw “Bafana Bafana” shift gears. In the 49th minute, “Lesotho” goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane denied a clear South African chance, but the game paused in the 53rd minute when Moerane required medical attention. He recovered, yet South Africa’s pressure mounted. In the 57th minute, the home side demanded a penalty, but the referee waved play on, ignoring VAR intervention.
The breakthrough arrived in the “60th minute” when “Relebohile Ratomo” orchestrated a superb team move, weaving past defenders to smash the ball into the net. The stadium erupted, and social media lit up with fans lauding his brilliance. Just four minutes later, in the “64th minute,” a “Lesotho” defensive blunder gifted “Jayden Adams” a chance, which he coolly converted to make it “2-0.” Celebratory posts flooded platforms like X, with supporters hailing the quickfire double.
“Lesotho” pushed forward late, seeking a consolation in the 76th minute, but South Africa’s counterattacking threat loomed large. By the 80th minute, the hosts were eyeing a third, dominating their best spell of the match. In the 88th minute, fresh legs from the bench nearly delivered, but the scoreline held at “2-0” as four additional minutes ticked away.
Standout Performances: Ratomo and Adams Steal the Show
“Relebohile Ratomo” was the heartbeat of South Africa’s attack, his goal and tireless work rate dismantling “Lesotho’s” backline. “Jayden Adams” complemented him perfectly, his composure in the box proving decisive. The defensive unit also shone, maintaining a clean sheet against “Lesotho’s” sporadic forays.
Coaches’ Corner: Reactions from Both Sides
“Lesotho” coach Leslie Notsi had anticipated a fierce contest, telling CAFOnline, “I think this is a match that is highly anticipated by the supporters, as you know we are neighbouring countries, so it’s not usual that we play often, and people are looking forward to the game, which we believe is going to be a very great encounter.” Post-match, his side’s late awakening couldn’t overturn their defensive lapses.
South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos (as reported by recent news on Goal.com), praised his team’s resilience, noting, “We knew it would be tough, but the boys showed character to break them down in the second half. This win is massive for our campaign.”
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