The clash at the Toyota Stadium saw South Africa hold their own against their continental rivals, and despite the draw, Bafana remain in a strong position to secure a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

South Africa can count themselves a little unlucky, as the Super Eagles managed to snatch an equaliser just before half-time in what has already been dubbed the “Hand of Lagos”.

Mohau Nkota. Photo: Morgan Piek

The scoring was opened in the 25th minute when Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently put South Africa with an own goal following relentless pressure from Bafana. Had Troost-Ekong not made contact, Lyle Foster was perfectly positioned to slot the ball into the back of the net.

Drama struck on the stroke of half-time when Fulham defender Calvin Bassey levelled the scores with a controversial goal, clearly off his forearm in an obvious handball. Questions remain as to why VAR is not being used in such crucial World Cup qualifiers, and why standards seem to vary so widely across continents. 

Be that as it may, South Africa’s defence also left Bassey in a position to score.

The score remained unchanged in what was a thrilling encounter between two African football giants. Sadly, as has become the norm, the officiating was once again below par.

For South Africa, the draw felt almost like a win, while for the Super Eagles, it leaves them in real danger of missing the World Cup for a second consecutive tournament.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos praised his team for their performance, pointing out that not long ago, South Africa might have lost this game. “Well, I think it was a game like I expected,” said the Belgian mentor. 

“On one side, you had a team that wanted to play football, and on the other, a team that tried to win by power. We did very well in the first half hour, but then Nigeria came back with their physical game. If we had defended a little more aggressively, their goal would never have come, and besides, it was a handball.

The Bethlehem-born Sipho Mbule. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But when you look at the progress Bafana has made, it’s enormous. Two years ago, if we had faced this Nigerian side, we would have lost. Today we fought them head-on, and the result is fair. 

“For us, it’s the best outcome. With this point, we only need one more win – and we have two chances to get it.”

Bafana Bafana will wrap up their campaign in October with back-to-back clashes against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. One win should be good enough to qualify.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh