Bafana Bafana complicated their life following Friday’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Having played 27 minutes with a numerical advantage following the dismissal of Zimbabwe striker Knowledge Musona, South Africa ultimately have themselves to blame for the draw, as they failed to show the steely character required to secure a victory.
They were up against a Warriors side who have a number of their players now a shadow of their former selves, like Musona, Khama Billiat and captain Marvellous Nakamba. But Hugo Broos’ men could not crack their neighbours to reduce the workload in their bid to qualify for the quadrennial global football competition.
Starting Friday evening in second position in Grouo C and tied on 14 points with Benin, who enjoyed a superior goal difference, Bafana dropped points to allow the Cheetahs to open a two-point gap at the top. Benin secured a 1-0 win away in Rwanda.
Like the history-making sides of Senegal 2002, as well as Togo and Angola in 2006, Benin could find themselves at the World Cup.
Second-placed South Africa’s draw with Zimbabwe also helped Nigeria close in on them to just one point after entering this round of matches, enjoying a three-point lead over the Super Eagles. Eric Chelle’s outfit laboured to a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.
Friday’s results left Group C wide open going into the final round of matches as Bafana host Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, while Nigeria in third place, are at home to Benin on the same day.
CALCULATORS OUT AS BENIN, BAFANA AND NIGERIA STAND CHANCES TO GO TO THE WORLD CUP
It is anyone’s game in Group C as three teams are still vying for top spot, which comes with automatic qualification for the World Cup.
For leaders Benin to maintain their place at the summit, they need to beat Nigeria in their last match away, and they will not have to worry about what transpires in South Africa’s clash with Rwanda.
In the event that Benin draw with Nigeria, they will then pray that Bafana do not beat Amavubi by a margin of more than a goal. If Benin lose to the Super Eagles, they have to avoid a defeat of more than two goals while pinning hopes on a Bafana draw with Rwanda.
To have matters firmly in their hands, South Africa should ensure victory over Amavubi at the Mbombela Stadium and hope Benin lose to Nigeria. An alternative scenario would be a Bafana win by a three-goal margin while their rivals share spoils.
The Super Eagles go into the final day of qualification needing to beat Benin by three goals without reply at home, and will not mind a draw between Bafana and Rwanda.
RELATED STORY: Bafana’s World Cup dream suffer blow after Zim draw