Bafana face final hurdle in World Cup quest

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South Africa confront their toughest test yet when they host Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday. To keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive, Bafana Bafana must win and hope for a favourable result from Benin vs Nigeria.

The margin is narrow. After a 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe, South Africa remain second in Group C but trail Benin by two points. A three-point deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena while suspended has magnified the pressure, that error turned a 2-0 victory over Lesotho into a forfeit and rearranged the standings.

Rwanda arrive with nothing but pride to play for. The Wasps failed to upset Benin in their home match, losing 1-0, but have proven unpredictable before. In a prior meeting in this same qualifying campaign, Rwanda upset South Africa, so expectations must be tempered. Their coach, Adel Amrouche, faces mounting pressure with results inconsistent, and a poor showing here could seal his fate.

South Africa’s campaign has been built on moments of dominance, though finishing has often fallen short. Against Zimbabwe, they struck the bar, saw shots cleared off the line, and controlled territory, but could not break through.

Defensive issues further complicate matters. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is suspended after a red card for a second bookable offence, forcing Broos to reconsider his backline. In attack, Burnley’s Lyle Foster struck the post and saw a goal-bound shot blocked last match, he is expected to lead the front line again, though his fitness may be assessed.

Oswin Appollis and Mohau Nkota are likely to retain their wing roles given their impact against Zimbabwe, though their final delivery needs sharper execution.

For Rwanda, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who plies his trade in South Africa’s PSL, is likely to start. His familiarity with Bafana’s attackers adds an intriguing subplot to the showdown.

The equation is clear, South Africa must win and Benin must fail to beat Nigeria. If Nigeria draw or win, South Africa must win by a margin that overturns Benin’s goal difference.

Mbombela’s 90 minutes may decide whether South Africa returns to a World Cup on merit for the first time since 2002, or exits at the last hurdle.

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Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

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Dylan Johnson