Zimbabweans Celebrate After Warriors Hold South Africa to a 0–0 Draw in World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabweans Celebrate After Warriors Hold South Africa to a 0–0 Draw in World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, earned praise from fans back home after holding South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a goalless draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

The spirited performance from Zimbabwe ensured that Bafana Bafana were denied a crucial win in front of their home supporters, leaving the group wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Also Read: “We Will Fight Like Lions”: Coach Hugo Broos Rallies Bafana Bafana Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Zimbabwe

Result Puts Pressure on South Africa

The stalemate proved costly for Hugo Broos’ side, as the dropped points allowed Benin to move two points clear at the top of Group C following their narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda.

Zimbabweans Celebrate After Warriors Hold South Africa to a 0–0 Draw (Image Credit: Facebook/ Zimbabwe Football Association)

With only one game remaining, South Africa’s hopes of securing automatic qualification now hang in the balance. They will need results elsewhere to go their way if they are to reach the next stage of the qualifiers.

Zimbabwe Celebrate Defensive Resilience

For Zimbabwe, the result may not change their qualification fate, but it served as a moment of pride. The Warriors showed remarkable defensive organisation and discipline to frustrate their neighbours, earning their fifth draw of the campaign despite still searching for their first win.

Fans across Zimbabwe took to social media to celebrate the performance, describing it as a “moral victory” against a regional rival.

Here are some of the reactions;

@Ezra Tshiza

Well done Zimbabwe Warriors for denying Bafana Bafana victory. Their coach Hugo Broos undermined Zimbabwe and even said he didn’t need any favour from the Warriors. Our football might be terrible but history shows Bafana Bafana are our small boys #GoWarriorsGo

@Kudakwashe JT Tich;

South African Coach anotaurisa yep yep kkkk I enjoyed the game my first time to see Zim being more physical on the ball

@Welook Dube;

Well played boys , you won my heart by drawing with Bafana Bafana

@Pretty Gal;

Im happy for what you did to Bafana bafana boysWelldone

@Tonderai Matanga;

Munhumutema effect ,well done guys

@Leroy Boss Leeman Mganhu;

Teenage, Devine and Arubi are my heroes for today. Takwara is still shaky though he tried. Otherwise we have a team to compete come Afcon. Nees did well with the substitutions especially Tawanda and Walter they were lively. The only substitution i didn’t understand was that of Chirewa, I thought he was going to be partnered with the other Tawanda. Jordan is good both defensive and in attack. That red card cost us Otherwise we had a chance to take all 3 points. Anyway well played guys. GO WARRIORS GO