Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos remains confident that his side can get the result they need against Rwanda on Tuesday in their final FIFA World Cup qualifying match, while also hoping that other results go their way.
South Africa faces a tough task — they must beat Rwanda by more than two goals at Mbombela Stadium and hope that Nigeria defeats Benin in Uyo, with both matches taking place simultaneously on Tuesday.
South Africa complicated their own chances by being held to a disappointing goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their penultimate qualifying match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
To make matters worse, Benin strengthened their position at the top of Group C with a win over Rwanda in Kigali, moving to 17 points, two ahead of Bafana Bafana, who sit on 15.
Nigeria, who revived their hopes with a victory over Lesotho, are just one point behind South Africa in third place. The Super Eagles will be banking on Rwanda to upset South Africa while they aim to beat Benin and secure their own ticket to the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.
“It’s a game where we’re focused only on ourselves,” Broos said.
“Like Ronwen [Williams] mentioned, we can’t influence what happens in Nigeria. If we win, we’ll have to wait and see. But I believe that what we all want, what we all dream of, can happen tomorrow [Tuesday].”
Broos praised his side’s performance against Zimbabwe despite the result, insisting they were simply unlucky.
“We are ready for it, ready to play a good game again. Whatever people say about the match against Zimbabwe, it was not a bad performance from us,” he said.
“We just needed a bit of luck. If luck had been on our side, we would have won. If you look at the goal Benin scored against Rwanda — even though Rwanda were the better team — the goalkeeper made a mistake, and that’s football.”
The Belgian tactician urged supporters to stay positive and back the team.
“I told the players over the past few days that while the result wasn’t good for us, this is not the time to doubt ourselves or question the quality and strength of the team,” he said.
“We shouldn’t do what some people are doing now — doubting and criticizing. I believe we need to support the team. I’m sure we’ll be ready and we’ll give our best to win. Hopefully, the football gods will be on our side and we’ll see the result everyone in Nigeria is hoping for — a Benin defeat.”
Meanwhile, Ghana became the latest African nation to book their spot at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday, joining North African heavyweights Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Only group winners from the African qualifiers automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while the four best runners-up will get another opportunity through a play-off round.
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