Bafana Bafana will make a return to the FIFA World Cup after a 15-year absence, after beating Rwanda 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Tuesday night to book a place at next year’s edition.
Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis scored first-half goals, while Evidence Makgopa scored late in the second half for South Africa, who finished top of group C with 18 points. This is after Benin, who came into the last round of fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as number one, lost 4-0 to Nigeria in Uyo.
The Super Eagles finished second, a point below South Africa, while Benin dropped to third. Hugo Broos’ troops won five games, drew three and lost twice in 10 games, booking their ticket to the 2026 global showpiece to be hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
SOUTH AFRICA MADE FORCED CHANGES TO THE SQUAD AGAINST RWANDA
Coach Broos made wholesale changes following the 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe on Friday in Durban. He was forced to make three changes to the overall squad list before the match, and he subsequently implemented four changes to the starting line-up for the Rwanda clash. Thapelo Morena, Khulumani Ndamane, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa were all brought into the starting line-up.
Stellenbosch FC forward Ashley Cupido was called in for the injured Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster. Another Stellenbosch player, Thabo Moloisane, was also called in to replace Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who received a red card against the Warriors.
Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Mokgopa also made a return to the squad after being roped in for Iqraam Rayners, who is missing due to medical reasons.
BAFANA BAFANA SEAL A PLACE AT THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AFTER A CONVINCING WIN
Bafana Bafana wasted no time in seizing control, scoring the opening goal just six minutes into the match. Thalente Mbatha unleashed a powerful long-range shot from outside the 18-yard box, beating a helpless Fiacre Ntwari.
Just six minutes later, Oswin Appollis appeared certain to double the lead, but his effort was brilliantly tipped away by the Rwandan keeper Ntwari.
Appollis finally got his reward in the 26th minute, slotting home from close range to score Bafana Bafana’s second goal.
However, South Africa suffered a major setback ten minutes before halftime when Thapelo Morena was forced off with an injury, with Mohau Nkota coming on as his replacement.
The home side continued their dominance in the second half, creating numerous opportunities before Evidence Makgopa finally added the third goal in the 72nd minute to make it 3-0.
The last time South Africa qualified for a FIFA World Cup was in 2002. However, they participated in the 2010 edition as the host country.
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