Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring as Bafana Bafana recorded a 3-1 win over neighbours Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.

Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners carried his impressive club form into the international scene when he opened the scoring within 30 seconds of the kick-off in South Africa’s 3-1 2026 FIFA World Cup – CAF Group C qualifier against Zimbabwe.

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Leading a high press, the 28-year-old applied pressure and pounced on a defensive error from Munashe Garan’anga before keeping his composure to calmly curl the ball home beyond the reach of Zimbabwe goalkeeper Godfrey Chitsumba.

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The guests equalised soon after, but Rayners continued to pose a threat and thought he had restored the lead just before half-time when he tapped the ball into an open goal. His effort was, however, ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

He ultimately played the full 90 minutes as a second-half brace from substitute Thapelo Morena helped South Africa claim an important three points in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.

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Rayners has now scored three times in nine international appearances for Bafana Bafana, having previously scored in a friendly against Algeria earlier this year and against Botswana in last year’s COSAFA Cup campaign.

His Stellenbosch FC teammate, Jayden Adams, was an unused substitute during Tuesday’s encounter.