South African Aspirations

The situation is straightforward for Bafana Bafana as their quest for the 2026 World Cup qualification nears its conclusion: win both matches and then hope for the best.

Currently, South Africa sits second in Group C, level on points with leaders Benin at 14. Bafana boasts a goal difference of three, while Benin holds one better.

Ideally, Bafana would be at 17 points and have a goal difference of eight had they not faced penalties for including the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their qualifier against Lesotho in March.

However, that’s behind them, and what’s ahead are their final two qualifying matches against Zimbabwe at 6pm on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, followed by a matchup against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Clearly, if Bafana wins both encounters and enhances their goal difference beyond that of Benin, South Africa will secure their automatic qualifying spot for next year’s World Cup as group champions.

On the other hand, Sphephelo Sithole and his teammates are faced with more favorable fixtures to conclude their campaign, while Benin will have the challenging task of playing their final two matches away.

First, Benin travels to Amahoro Stadium to face Rwanda on Friday, before heading to Godswill Akpabio Stadium to meet the formidable Nigeria on Tuesday.

With Nigeria positioned third, they will be pursuing the second spot, or better, should both Bafana and Benin slip up.

Finishing second in the group would give them a chance to be one of the four best runners-up, allowing participation in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament for the remaining African spot in the prestigious event hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

All eyes are now on you, coach Hugo Broos and Bafana.