A resilient Zimbabwe, buoyed by goalkeeper Washington Arubi, held Bafana
Bafana to a 0-0 stalemate in the first half of their 2026 FIFA World Cup
qualifier in Durban on Friday.
South Africa, featuring the returning Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Khuliso Mudau
and Aubrey Modiba in defence, controlled the opening period and created the
better chances. The first significant opportunity fell to Sipho Mbule, who
fired over the bar from close range after a promising build-up.
Mbule threatened again midway through the half, forcing Arubi into an
excellent save with a powerful long-range strike. The Zimbabwean
shot-stopper was the hero for his side, who were largely contained by the
Bafana defence but managed to reach the break on level terms.
Hugo Broos’ men came closest to breaking the deadlock just before halftime
when Mohau Nkota’s thunderous shot from distance cannoned off the post,
leaving the match finely poised at the interval.
Halftime Lineups:
Zimbabwe: Arubi, Zemura, Garananga, Lunga, Hadebe, Billiat, Nakamba,
Chirewa, Munetsi, Musona, Takwara.
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbule,
Sithole, Nkota, Appollis, Foster.
