South Africa went five points clear at the top of Group C on Tuesday night after defeating Benin 2-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Jayden Adams and Lyle Foster’s goals in the second half gave Bafana Bafana the victory, bringing their record to 13 points from six games.

Rwanda lost to Lesotho 1-1 in Kigali, while Nigeria drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe in Uyo.

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On eight points, Rwanda is equal with third-place Benin for second place in the group.

The rest of the log is made up of Nigeria (seven), Lesotho (six), and Zimbabwe (four).

However, word broke early Tuesday that South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player, in last week’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho and will probably be fined three points.

This could drastically alter the situation.

Both teams experienced frustration during the first half. Despite spending more time in Benin’s half and having more possession of the ball, South Africa was unable to generate any clear scoring opportunities.

Early in the game, Thalente Mbatha had a deflected drive fly beyond of goal, and Foster had a few close calls.

The Cheetahs had the first noteworthy attempt on goal, with Junior Olaitan’s diving header forcing Bafana Bafana keeper Ronwen Williams to make a good save in the 18th minute, but they didn’t give much going the other way.

Fawaaz Basadien ran into space down the left side and then played a low cutback to locate Foster’s run, giving South Africa the lead eight minutes into the second half.

Through the inside of the far post, the striker’s finish slipped past goalie Marcel Dandjinou and over the goal line.

Through the second half, Hugo Broos changed up the visitors’ lineup by adding Oswin Appollis and Jayden Adams.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs failed to muster any meaningful chances to equalise, with Steve Mounie and Sessi D’Almeida both missing the mark with bold attempts.

The second goal came from a combination of Bafana’s substitutes in the 84th minute.

Appollis’ accurate cross from a free kick allowed Adams to score with a downward header that beat Dandjinou’s right hand to conclude the match as a contest.

In September, the countries will resume World Cup qualifying play, with Benin playing Zimbabwe and Lesotho (both at home), and South Africa facing Lesotho (away) and Nigeria (home).