2026 World Cup Qualifiers: We capitalize on South Africa’s challenges – Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche

Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche has described Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as the most dramatic campaign of his career, following FIFA’s decision to deduct points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.

FIFA recently penalised Bafana Bafana after midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in the qualifier against Lesotho in March despite being suspended for accumulating two yellow cards.

The sanction saw South Africa lose crucial points, drastically altering the complexion of the group.

Before the ruling, Hugo Broos’ side were top of the table with 17 points and appeared well on course for qualification. However, the deduction has dropped them to second place on 14 points — level with leaders Benin — while Nigeria and Rwanda remain in close pursuit.

With Rwanda set to face South Africa on Tuesday, Amrouche has urged his players to seize the opportunity created by the South African Football Association’s costly oversight.

“This is the most controversial group I have ever been involved in,” Amrouche told Sports247. “At some point, we thought we were finished, but now we’re back in the race.

“The most disappointed right now is SAFA, and we all want to capitalise on their mistake. We have 11 points, Benin are on 14, and we want to get to 14 when we go to South Africa.

“Benin are happy, Nigeria want to be happy, and we want to be happy too,” he added.

The result of Tuesday’s encounter could prove decisive, with four nations still battling for the group’s sole automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup in North America.