History beckons for Bafana Bafana and Hugo Broos
Bafana Bafana are on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but their fate remains uncertain due to a pending FIFA decision on an ineligible player in a past match against Lesotho, making their upcoming games against Lesotho and Nigeria crucial. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Bafana Bafana are on the verge of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 2002 edition, and though their lead in Group C of the CAF qualifiers is significant, there’s still everything on the line.
If Bafana hold onto that top spot, they will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four best runners-up in the groups will then head to CAF play-offs for a route to the inter-confederation tournament.
That’s because FIFA has yet to rule on Bafana fielding an ineligible player for their last qualifier match against Lesotho five months ago. Bafana won that match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium 2-0, but Teboho Mokoena participated in that clash even though he had received two yellow cards in previous qualifiers, which means he had a one-match suspension.
According to FIFA rules, Bafana should have been penalised with a 3-0 loss due to this infringement.
Lesotho’s Delayed Complaint Leaves Bafana’s Qualifiers Crucial
Lesotho, though, did not lodge their complaint in time, and FIFA is yet to rule on the matter.
It means Bafana could still be docked three points at the end of their qualifiers.
That’s why their two remaining qualifiers against Lesotho (Friday evening) and Nigeria (September 9) are still extremely important.
As Lesotho will be playing Bafana at the Free State Stadium, South Africa should be able to do enough to get the victory.
Four days later at the same venue, though, taking on African powerhouse Nigeria could be a different story.
With Nigeria currently fourth in the group on seven points, they will be desperately chasing second place - or first if Bafana are docked points.