Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Lesotho, while Benin Republic maintained their grip on top spot with a 1-0 away win against Rwanda. Captain Williams Troost Ekong opening the scoring in the 55th with a penalty after a Lesotho defender handled the ball in the penalty area, debuntant Akor Adams then made it 2 – 0 from Victor Osimhen’s assist in the 80th minute.
Goalkeeper Nwabali failed to handle a corner kick cross and it fell to substitute Hlompho Kalake who scored to pull one back for Lesotho with seven minutes to go. Nwabali failed to handle another ball well in added time but was lucky it the shot that was taken by the Lesotho striker in the follow up went wide.
Meanwhile, South Africa drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe. Both sides saw one player dismissed in the second half. Bafana Bafana couldn’t penetrate the strong defence of Zimbabwe.
Nigeria needs to win both their remaining match against Benin Republic on Tuesday September 14 and pray South Africa drop points against Rwanda to qualify for the World Cup. Benin Republic requires just a draw in their final group match against Nigeria to seal their first-ever World Cup qualification.
Current Group C Standings:
• Benin Republic: 17 points
• South Africa: 15 points
• Nigeria: 14 points
