The stakes could not be higher as South Africa prepare for their final Group C fixture in the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT at the Mbombela Stadium.
Hugo Broos’s men must secure all three points to keep their hopes of reaching next year’s tournament in North America alive.
Bafana Bafana’s qualification path has been complicated by a three-point deduction imposed by FIFA earlier this year for fielding an ineligible player.
The sanction not only reduced their tally but also damaged their goal difference, allowing Benin to overtake them at the summit.
Despite the setback, South Africa’s destiny remained in their own hands—until a frustrating goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday.
Broos’s side dominated the encounter but failed to convert their chances, striking the woodwork twice and seeing one effort cleared off the line.
Zimbabwe, reduced to ten men after Knowledge Musona’s red card, held firm as South Africa’s attacking substitutions never materialised.
The stalemate now leaves Bafana needing not only a win but also favourable results elsewhere.
The qualification scenario is straightforward yet tense: South Africa must beat Rwanda and hope Nigeria defeat Benin.
Should that match end in a draw, Broos’s side would need to overcome Rwanda by at least two goals to progress on superior goal difference.
Their task is complicated by the absence of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is suspended after being sent off against Zimbabwe.
Samukelo Kabini is expected to partner Nkosinathi Sibisi in central defence, while wingers Oswin Appollis and Mohau Nkota—both lively against Zimbabwe—should retain their places. Burnley forward Lyle Foster, denied by the woodwork last time out, will again lead the line.
Rwanda, already eliminated from contention, will aim to spoil the party.
Adel Amrouche’s side defeated South Africa in the reverse fixture and have little to lose as they chase a morale-boosting finish.
The Algerian coach has a full squad to choose from, including debutant forward Joy-Lance Mickels and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who knows many of Bafana’s key attackers well.
With qualification hanging by a thread, South Africa must produce a near-perfect performance.
For Broos and his players, Tuesday’s showdown is about more than three points—it is about redemption, pride, and keeping their World Cup dream alive.
