Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos is confident his team can finish top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, provided they maintain their current momentum and avoid costly mistakes, especially against direct rivals like Nigeria.
South Africa strengthened their qualification hopes with a 2-0 win over Benin Republic, moving them to 13 points after six games.
The result puts them five points ahead of Rwanda and six clear of Nigeria, who sit fourth after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.
Despite sitting comfortably at the top, South Africa’s position could be under threat due to an administrative oversight.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, a standout performer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, should have served a one-match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards.
However, he was mistakenly included in the starting XI during their win over Lesotho. If FIFA penalizes the infraction, Bafana Bafana could be docked three points.
Still, Broos remains focused on what lies ahead. The Belgian coach insists his side must stay grounded and not take their current lead for granted.
“We have to be confident and not be afraid of anybody that plays against us,” Broos told Sowetan Live. “The only thing we can do is to continue working hard like we’ve been doing. We must not think that everything is already done.
“We’re already in a good position but I think with the group that we’re in, if we don’t do stupid things, we are very close to qualification.”
The road to the World Cup will reach a defining moment in September 2025 when South Africa hosts Nigeria in what could be a group-deciding clash.
The Super Eagles, currently trailing and under pressure, cannot afford to drop more points and will need a statement win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
