Mohau Nkota scored his very first goal for the national team during South Africa’s convincing 3-0 victory against Lesotho on Friday at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, a significant event that occurred within the last 24 hours. This milestone came shortly after his recent transfer to the Saudi club Al Ettifaq, marking an important step both in his club career and on the international stage. The attacking midfielder, formerly of Orlando Pirates, opened the scoring in the 15th minute, actively contributing to South Africa’s dominance in this crucial 2026 World Cup qualification match.
This 3-0 win strengthens South Africa’s position at the top of Group C with 16 points, creating a nine-point gap with Nigeria, their main rival for qualification. Nkota’s goal set the tone early in the first half, followed by additional goals from Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis in the second half, increasing pressure on Nigeria, which must win against Rwanda to stay in contention. Nkota’s emerging importance both at club level, with his move to Saudi Arabia, and for the national team confirms his status as a rising talent in African football.
The timing of Nkota’s goal is especially significant as South Africa seeks to maintain their lead in the qualifiers while managing injuries to some key defenders. The rise of players like Nkota demonstrates the dynamism and depth of the South African squad under coach Hugo Broos, reinforcing their ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. His development also highlights the growing importance of African players transferring to emerging leagues, which can offer new platforms to excel.
Overall, Mohau Nkota’s goal on Friday night is not just a highlight for South Africa but also an inspiration for young African talents aspiring to combine club success with international honors. This recent and meaningful event elevates Nkota into a new sporting dimension both personally and collectively, as the African continent intensifies its pursuit of a place at the upcoming World Cup.