Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams both scored their first international goals as South Africa secured a 2-0 victory over Lesotho in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. The win takes Bafana Bafana to the top of their qualifying group.
Hugo Broos handed a first start to Mofokeng, who formed an attacking quartet alongside Lyle Foster and Percy Tau, with the latter making his first Bafana appearance since a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in June 2024.
South Africa Starting XI: Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Sibisi, Basadien; Mokoena, Adams; Mofokeng, Mokwana, Tau; Foster.
South Africa dominated the early stages, with Mofokeng twice denied by Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane in the opening 15 minutes. Nkosinathi Sibisi then saw a towering header cleared off the line in the 34th minute. Despite the attacking pressure, Bafana Bafana were unable to break the deadlock in the first half.
The hosts continued to press after the break, and Foster struck the upright five minutes into the second half. The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark. Mofokeng, justifying his selection, collected a pass from Elias Mokwana and calmly slotted past Moerane from close range.
The lead was doubled just four minutes later. Tau set up Adams, whose initial shot was saved by Moerane, but Adams reacted quickest to slam home the rebound.
With a two-goal cushion, Broos made several substitutions, introducing Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, and Iqraam Rayners.
The victory takes South Africa to the top of their group ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Benin, who drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe on Friday night. The match highlighted the impact of Broos’s attacking selections, with both debutants finding the net, and the team’s overall dominance, although their finishing could have been more clinical.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.