South Africa’s Bafana Bafana face a tense evening as their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes rest not only on their own performance but also on results elsewhere. After a turbulent run of setbacks, Hugo Broos’ men must beat Rwanda in Mbombela and pray that Nigeria defeat Benin Republic in Uyo to stay in the race.
The South Africans were once cruising towards qualification, but their campaign suffered a dramatic twist when FIFA deducted three points from their tally for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their earlier victory over Lesotho. That punishment, combined with a disappointing goalless draw against Zimbabwe last Friday, left Bafana with 15 points and a +3 goal difference now second in Group C behind Benin, who lead with 17 points and a +5 difference.
The calculations are clear but nerve-wracking. South Africa must secure maximum points against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium and hope Nigeria do them a favour by beating Benin. Should Benin draw, Bafana would need a victory by at least three clear goals to overtake them on goal difference.
“If both teams finish level on goal difference, the number of goals scored will decide it,” a source in the South African Football Association explained. “At the moment, both sides have scored 12 goals, which makes the equation even tighter. Every goal will count tonight.”
Should that too end level, the head-to-head rule will come into play — a situation that could favour South Africa, having already beaten Benin home and away during the campaign. A low-scoring draw in Uyo could therefore be enough if Broos’ men win convincingly in Mbombela.
The pressure is immense, but team legend Doctor Khumalo has urged calm and focus. “The boys must play their game and stay composed. They know what is at stake. It’s about belief and discipline now,” he said.
Fans across the country are anxiously preparing for another emotional rollercoaster, calculators at the ready as the final group fixtures kick off simultaneously at 6pm and 5pm Nigerian time. Social media has been awash with mixed reactions — some confident that Nigeria will help Bafana’s cause, others doubtful after past disappointments.
“I refuse to get my hopes up either way. This is just too much,” one fan posted on X, echoing the mood of many supporters who have seen this movie before.
