How Bafana Bafana can qualify for the World Cup: All the permutations for South Africa vs Rwanda
Out of Bafana's hands: Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos will be hoping for a number of things to go their way in their final World Cup qualifier this Tuesday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
With Friday's disappointing goalless draw against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium now in the rearview mirror, Bafana Bafana face a tense and complicated path to World Cup qualification.
The two dropped points have made their final group game a must-win encounter against Rwanda, but even three points may not be enough. The focus now shifts entirely to securing that win and praying for a favorable result in the other crucial group fixture.
The other results in the group last Friday added to Bafana Bafana’s woes. Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, inching closer to South Africa with just one point separating the two.
Meanwhile, Benin capitalised on their opportunity by defeating Rwanda 1-0 to claim crucial points. As it stands, Benin tops the group with 17 points, while Bafana Bafana trails with 15, followed by Nigeria in third place, creating a tightly contested race as the qualifying rounds conclude.
Looking ahead to their crucial encounter against Rwanda on Tuesday, Bafana Bafana’s path to qualification requires a series of fortunate events. First and foremost, they must secure a victory against Rwanda.
A win is essential for South Africa to maintain any hope of reaching the World Cup in North America.
However, the journey does not end there. Should South Africa clinch the maximum three points, they will then be reliant on Nigeria to do them a massive favour by overcoming Benin.
A Nigerian win would mean that Bafana Bafana will qualify directly.
Conversely, if Benin secure victory, Bafana will need not only to win their match but also require several results from other groups to tip the scales in their favour for a potential play-off for the runners-up position. This path seems highly unlikely, though.
This scenario sets the stage for a dramatic finale to the qualifying campaign, one that will undoubtedly test Bafana Bafana’s resolve and character, while raising the blood pressure of South Africans.
After coming so close to securing automatic qualification, Hugo Broos and his men face a must-win encounter that could prove pivotal in their journey under the Belgian coach’s leadership.
As fans across the nation hold their breath, optimism lingers that this generation of players can rise to the occasion, keep South Africa’s World Cup dream alive, and etch their names into football history.
IOL Sport