Zimbabwe dealt a major blow to South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes on Friday night, holding Bafana Bafana to a tense 0–0 draw despite finishing the match with ten men.

Hugo Broos’s side dominated large spells of the encounter, controlling possession and creating numerous chances but failing to find the breakthrough.

The match saw the return of midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, who made his first appearance since September of the previous year.

South Africa began on the front foot, using wingers Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis to stretch the Zimbabwean defence and exploit spaces behind their back line.

Nkota came closest to opening the scoring in the 43rd minute when his powerful effort struck the post, while Lyle Foster had two agonising near-misses – first seeing his shot cleared off the line by Divine Lunga in the 54th minute and later hitting the inside of the post in stoppage time.

However, despite numerical advantage following Knowledge Musona’s dismissal for a second yellow card in the 63rd minute, Bafana Bafana could not capitalise.

Zimbabwe, led by veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, defended resolutely after the red card, effectively “parking the bus” to preserve a valuable away point.

The result leaves South Africa ruing missed opportunities in a match they largely controlled, with Broos likely to be frustrated by his side’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

For Zimbabwe, the draw represents a hard-earned result that keeps their qualification hopes flickering.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has named a 13-man Zimbabwe ‘A’ squad to take on the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a three-day match scheduled for 10-12 October at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.

The side features several players who have been part of Zimbabwe’s recent international fixtures, among them Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tinotenda Maposa, Vincent Masekesa and Tafadzwa Tsiga.

Antum Naqvi, Takudzwa Chataira and Anesu Kamuriwo are the only members of the squad yet to make their full international debuts.

The fixture offers a valuable opportunity for Zimbabwe’s next generation of cricketers to test themselves against quality opposition.

MCC’s visit marks a historic return to Zimbabwe – the English club’s first since their 1964/65 tour –reaffirming cricket’s enduring ties between the two nations.

The touring team began their seven-match schedule earlier this week with two T20s and a 50-over match against provincial side Rhinos at Kwekwe Sports Club.

Following the three-day contest in Harare, MCC will conclude their tour with three T20s against the Zimbabwe Academy at Takashinga Cricket Club next week.

MCC has brought a competitive 13-man squad captained by Glamorgan batter Will Smale, underlining the high-performance nature of the tour.

Nine players in the visiting team boast first-class and/or List A experience.

Smale was a standout performer in Glamorgan’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign this summer, notably scoring a century against Surrey at the Kia Oval.

He is joined by Worcestershire’s Ben Allison – a member of this year’s One-Day Cup-winning side – and Essex wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes.

The squad also includes Kent leg-spinner Mo Rizvi, Scotland international Jasper Davidson and Joseph Davies, who earned his place through an impressive showing in the relaunched MCC Young Cricketers programme.

ZIMBABWE ‘A’ SQUAD FOR THREE-DAY MATCH VS MCC

Takudzwa Chataira, Tanaka Chivanga, Innocent Kaia, Roy Kaia, Anesu Kamuriwo, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Vincent Masekesa, Antum Naqvi, Tafadzwa Tsiga

MCC SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE TOUR

Will Smale (Captain), Sam Athurton, Ben Allison, Daniel da Costa, Jasper Davidson, Joseph Davies, Simon Fernandes, Alistair Frost, Michael Frost, Darren Ironside, Billy Mead, Mo Rizvi, Matt Wareing

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the FIFA Volunteer Community as “the most diverse community in the world” after its membership doubled to two million thanks to the record number of applications received to join the Volunteer Programme for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

Representing an all-time record for a sports event, in excess of one million applicants have applied for the 65,000 volunteer roles to be occupied at next year’s global showpiece, raising the number of registered volunteers to the two million mark.

The volunteers hail from 226 countries/territories, with the make-up of the community mirroring the global nature of the modern game.

“We always say at FIFA that football unites the world, and when I go to tournaments and meet you all, I am always greeted by the most incredible range of nationalities, ages, genders, backgrounds and professions,” said the FIFA President.

“We have volunteers from 18- to 92-years-old; we have students starting out their journeys to retirees passing on their skills and experiences; and everybody has a story to tell – it truly is the most diverse community in the world.”

FIFA’s volunteer initiative has been activated at 25 tournaments and events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ and the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™ held earlier this year.

All six confederations are represented across the FIFA Volunteer Community. In terms of volunteer numbers by continent, North America leads the way (just over 40%), followed closely by Africa (38%).

With regard to the standings by nationality, US citizens sit top of the pile, accounting for more than 400,000 members of the community, while southern neighbour and FIFA World Cup 26 co-host Mexico claims second spot, with the community featuring over 210,000 Mexican volunteers.

More than 200,000 volunteers hail from Morocco, which is preparing to host the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ and will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030™. Next up is the other FIFA World Cup 26 co-host, Canada, while the top six is completed by volunteers from Algeria and Kenya.

Almost 60% of volunteers are aged between 18 and 29, with the vast majority aged 50 or under.

A little over 5% of volunteers are aged from 51 to 92 with these individuals serving as perfect examples that anyone over the age of 18 is able to play their part in making FIFA events a success.

Volunteers at FIFA events have contributed over two million hours to help create some incredible atmospheres and showcase the local cultures of the host countries.

Aligned with the FIFA Volunteer Beat as One™ slogan, volunteers stand hand in hand alongside FIFA tournament staff and officials to carry out a range of tasks, including greeting VIPs, helping fans to find their seats, carrying flags, supporting media representatives and preparing accreditation passes.

“You are so often the first faces fans, players and officials see on their FIFA World Cup journey – as we all go to make memories that will last a lifetime,” said President Infantino.

“We must remember that none of these would be possible without you. We are proud to work alongside you and beat as one.”