Bafana World Cup hopes hanging by thread after Zimbabwe draw | OneFootball

Zimbabwe hold Bafana to goalless stalemate

Photo: Zakes Photography

Bafana Bafana played to goalless draw with Zimbabwe in a must-win FIFA World Cup qualifier clash at Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

While Hugo Broos' men had the most clear-cut chances, the Warriors defended with their lives to crash their neighbors party.

Mohau Nkota came close in the first half, striking the upright with a long range shot , much to the relief of Michael Nees' side.

Moments later, Nkosinathi Sibisi threatened to break the deadlock with a glancing header on the stroke of half time, but his header went over the bar.

The second stanza started with high tempo as Lyle Foster was put through on goal with a one-time pass from Sipho Mbule, but the Burnley man couldn't hit the target as Divine Lunga cleared the ball on the line after the striker had rounded the goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe were reduced to 10-man two minutes after the hour mark, with Knowledge Musona receiving his second yellow card for an early shower.

The stalemate is a major setback for Broos' men as their World Cup qualification hopes are now hanging by a thread.

Bafana remain in second place with 15 points, while Benin moved three points clear with 18 points after beating Rwanda 1-0, as Nigeria climbed to third with a 2-1 victory over Lesotho.