Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss South Africa’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda after receiving a red card in the goalless draw with Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 10 October 2025.
South Africa were held to a scoreless draw by their neighbours, who are at the bottom of Group C. Bafana Bafana occupy the second spot in the group after securing only one point in the match.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi To Miss Rwanda Match
Mbekezeli Mbokazi received a red card in the 90+7 minute of the clash after shoving his opponent to the ground. After his unsporting behaviour, the rock-solid defender will be suspended for the last match of Group C.
South Africa needed the Orlando Pirates defender in the Rwanda match, as it will be a group decider for Bafana. Rwanda is a threat to South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup. They beat South Africa 2-0 on matchday two of the CAF World Cup qualifiers.
As things stand, Hugo Broos’ side needs to win against Rwanda to secure their spot at the World Cup. Group leaders Benin have 17 points, Bafana are on 15 points, and Nigeria have 14.
South Africa Fails To Score Against Zimbabwe
Broos’ charges created a couple of good chances in the second half when Zimbabwe was down to 10 men. Lyle Foster came close to scoring, but his well-placed shot hit the left post.
Sipho Mbule nearly scored in the 87th minute; however, his shot was a whisker away from going in. In stoppage time, Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi made crucial saves to deny South Africa three points.
Zimbabwe Latest Results in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Before facing Bafana Bafana, Zimbabwe lost 1-0 to Rwanda on 9 September 2025. Gilbert Mugisha scored the only goal of the FIFA World Cup qualifier in the 40th minute.
Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper had a busy match, making five saves from Rwanda’s six shots on target. Rwanda showed more hunger in the clash, and they ultimately secured three crucial points.
On 5 September 2025, Zimbabwe also lost 1-0 to Benin in another FIFA World Cup qualifier. Benin’s Steve Mounie scored the winning goal in the 77th minute, keeping his country’s dream of playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
South Africa Latest Results in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
In a previous FIFA World Cup qualifier on 9 September 2025, South Africa played a 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Nigeria. South Africa secured a crucial point in the thriller, keeping their hopes of joining football heavyweights at the 2026 soccer spectacle alive.
Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong gifted South Africa the lead in the 25th minute when he scored an own goal. Nigeria used their physical strength to fight their way back into the match. The Super Eagles equalised in the 44th minute when Calvin Bassey scored a controversial goal.
Before that match, South Africa thumped Lesotho 3-0 on 5 September 2025, securing three crucial points. Mohau Nkota opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Bafana Bafana was leading 1-0 going into the halftime break.
Lyle Foster doubled the score in the 63rd minute of the showdown, and Oswin Appollis made it 3-0 in the 67th minute. After this match, South Africa topped the group, awaiting FIFA’s ruling on the controversial Tebogo Mokoena matter.
Also Read: Hungary 2-3 Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo scores again in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Head-to-Head
On 7 June 2025, South Africa’s B Team also beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in a Cosafa Cup match. The home side took the lead in the 40th minute when Kabelo Dlamini converted from the penalty spot.
Bafana Bafana doubled the score in the 78th minute, putting the game beyond Zimbabwe. Ime Okon scored the second goal after being set up by Gape Moralo.
In another FIFA World Cup qualifier on 11 June 2024, South Africa’s main squad thrashed their neighbours 3-1. Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring in the first minute of the match.
Zimbabwe responded quickly, equalising a minute after South Africa’s goal. Tawanda Chirewa made it 1-1 in the second minute of the clash.
It was a different story in the second half; South Africa dominated Zimbabwe, adding two more goals to their tally. Thapelo Morena scored two goals in the 55th and 76th minutes.
Also Read: Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland – Florian Wirtz, Serge Gnabry score in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
Zimbabwe’s Next World Cup Qualifier:
- On Monday, 13 October 2025, Zimbabwe faces Lesotho on matchday 10 of the World Cup qualifiers. The match kicks off at 18:00.
South Africa’s Next World Cup Qualifier:
- On Tuesday, 14 October 2025, South Africa faces Rwanda on matchday 10 of the World Cup qualifiers. The highly anticipated match kicks off at 18:00.
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