South Africa’s Bafana Bafana return to action on Friday evening when they meet Lesotho at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein for a FIFA World Cup qualifier that carries extra weight both on the field and off it.
Technically, Lesotho are the designated “home” side, but with no CAF-approved stadium of their own, the clash shifts across the border to South Africa. That makes this fixture a rare case where Bafana get to play an away match on familiar soil.
The Stakes
South Africa currently sit top of Group C, five points clear. But their cushion could shrink dramatically if FIFA rules against them for fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena in the reverse fixture — a 2-0 win in Polokwane back in March. Should that victory be overturned, Hugo Broos’ men would find their qualification campaign under serious pressure with only four games left to play.
That makes nothing short of victory essential here.
Team News
Bafana have been forced into a reshuffle. Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi has withdrawn through injury, with Sipho Mbule drafted in. Defensively, Hannover 96’s Ime Okon is also out, replaced by Stellenbosch centre-back Thabo Moloisane.
Broos is still expected to keep faith with his core spine:
- Captain Ronwen Williams in goal
- The energetic Relebohile Mofokeng pulling strings behind striker Iqraam Rayners
- Midfield general Mokoena (if cleared) alongside Luke le Roux
Lesotho, meanwhile, are expected to stick with their trusted XI, spearheaded by striker Katleho Makateng.
Head-to-Head and Stats
- South Africa won the last meeting 2-0 (March 2025), with Mofokeng and Adams on target.
- Lesotho managed only three attempts on goal in that game, with just one on target.
- Bafana have won their last three competitive matches to nil, including a 2-0 victory over Benin in March.
Betting Angle
Lesotho struggle to create chances against top opposition and have been blunt in front of goal throughout this qualifying campaign. Bafana, though not always prolific, look too strong in every department.
Best Bets:
- South Africa to win to nil – Lesotho’s attack lacks bite.
- Under 2.5 Goals – expect a controlled performance from Bafana rather than a rout.
- Anytime Goalscorer: Iqraam Rayners – in form and leading the line.
Match Info
- Date: Friday, 5 September 2025
- Kick-off: 18:00 CAT
- Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
- Broadcast: SuperSport, SABC 2