SOUTH AFRICAN DREAM

THE equation is simple for Bafana Bafana as their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign comes to an end: win both matches and then start praying.

South Africa are second in Group C, tied with top-placed Benin on 14 points. Bafana have a goal difference of three, while Benin are one better.

Of course, Bafana should have 17 points and a goal difference of eight had they not been penalised for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their qualifier against Lesotho in March.

That’s in the past though, and lying ahead are their final two qualifiers against Zimbabwe at 6pm on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, before closing out against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Obviously, if Bafana win both matches and manage to improve their goal difference more than Benin, SA will punch their automatic qualifying ticket to next year’s World Cup as group winners.

Sphephelo Sithole and his pals though, have the more favourable fixtures to finish their campaign, while Benin have the tricky task of playing their last two matches away.

First up for Benin, is a trip to Amahoro Stadium to take on hosts Rwanda on Friday. It will then be onto Godswill Akpabio Stadium to take on the mighty Nigeria on Tuesday. 

With Nigeria currently in third place, they will be chasing that second spot, or better, if Bafana and Benin drop points.

Finishing second in the group will mean the span have the chance of finishing as one of the four best runners-up who will then play in the Fifa Play-Off Tournament for the one remaining African spot at the showpiece event in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Over to you, coach Hugo Broos and Bafana.