Get the calculators out: How Bafana Bafana can qualify for the World Cup
Out of their hands: Bafana Bafana will need a number of things to go their way when they take on Rwanda in the final World Cup qualifier on Tuesday to stand a chance of qualifying for the tournament. Photo: Sia Kambou/AFP
Image: Sia Kambou/AFP
South African hearts were broken on Friday when Bafana Bafana could only manage a goalless draw from their World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The other results in the group went against Hugo Broos’ men. Nigeria beat Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane to move within a point of Bafana Bafana, while Benin did what they wanted to do when they beat Rwanda 1-0 to bag the three points.
As things stand, Benin sit top on 17 points, with Bafana two points behind on 15. Nigeria are in third place. All three teams still have a lot to play for.
To qualify for the World Cup, South Africa will need a few things to go their way next week. First of all, they will need the maximum three points from their game against Rwanda to stand any chance of making it to North America.
If they win, they will then need a massive favour from Nigeria. If Nigeria beat Benin and South Africa win against Rwanda, Broos and his men will book their place in the World Cup. If Benin win, South Africa will need to win and hope a number of results in other groups go their way so they stand a chance of getting into the play-offs for the runner ups.
It all sets up a dramatic finale to the qualifying campaign – one that will test Bafana Bafana’s resolve and character.
After coming so close to automatic qualification, Broos and his men now face a must-win encounter that could define their journey under the Belgian coach. The nation will once again hold its breath, hoping that this generation of players can rise to the occasion and keep South Africa’s World Cup dream alive.
IOL Sport