The Group C race for qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup will go right down to the final day after another dramatic round of fixtures on Friday left everything still to play for.

With just one match remaining, Benin have taken a slender two-point lead at the top of the standings, but South Africa and Nigeria all remain in contention for the coveted ticket to the global showpiece.

In Durban, Zimbabwe frustrated South Africa to a goalless draw in what was a must-win for Bafana Bafana.

The result leaves South Africa second in the group, knowing that their final encounter against Rwanda will decide whether they can book their place at the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

In another Group C tie played in Polokwane, South Africa, Nigeria revived their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho. A penalty conversion by skipper, William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams strike was enough for the Super Eagles to secure a much-needed win that keeps their qualification hopes alive.

New group leaders, Benin continued their impressive run with a disciplined 1–0 triumph over Rwanda. A late Tosin Aiyegun proved decisive, giving Benin an important two-point lead. The result marked another composed performance from Gernot Rohr’s side, who now find themselves just one match away from a historic qualification.

With Benin leading the way, South Africa sitting two points behind, and Nigeria lurking just beneath, the final round of fixtures promises high drama and fierce competition.

Meanwhile in Group H, Tunisia cruised to a comfortable 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe and maintain their impressive form in the qualifiers with a ticket to the global showpiece already secured.

Goals by Firas Chaouat, Elias Saad, Ismael Gharbi and a brace by Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane sealed a comfortable win for the former African champions. (CAF Online)