South Africa clinched one of the qualifying spots for the African World Cup finals at the expense of Nigeria thanks to its victory over Rwanda.
Bafana Bafana needed to win their match to secure top spot in Group C, and finished the tournament ahead of their rivals by only one point, despite Nigeria’s victory over Benin.
Nigeria recorded a dominant 4-0 win thanks to a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a late goal from Frank Onyeka.
The Super Eagles started the match brightly in Abuja, taking the lead after four minutes when Osimhen finished brilliantly from Samuel Chukwueze’s pass.
The Napoli striker doubled the lead before half-time with another header, again assisted by Chukwueze, to put Nigeria ahead at half-time.
Osimhen completed his hat-trick at the beginning of the second half after scoring from close range after good work by Moses Simon.
In stoppage time, Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal with a shot high into the net after an assist from Simon to seal an emphatic victory.
But Nigeria still has a chance to qualify, as they finished second and are heading to a play-off.
South Africa does it
South Africa produced a strong display to beat Rwanda 3-0 and secure qualification.
The hosts scored early when Talente Mbatha fired a stunning right-footed shot into the top corner from distance after just five minutes.
Their relentless attacking style quickly paid off once again, as Oswin Abolis doubled the lead midway through the first half with a brilliant finish, set up by Evidence Makgoba after a fluid move.
Rwanda showed brief moments of threat – with Abedi Biramahir hitting the post late on – but South Africa controlled the tempo and created better chances throughout the match.
The result was settled in the 72nd minute when Makgoba headed home from close range after another perfect cross from Appolis.
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