Bafana Bafana’s hope remains alive in Nigeria
Nigeria’s crucial match against Benin could determine South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the Fifa World Cup, as Bafana Bafana must win against Rwanda and rely on Nigeria’s victory to advance. Picture: Sia Kambou/AFP
Image: Sia Kambou/AFP
Much like a Liverpool fan shouting for Man United, it’s simply not done. But there are exceptions. South Africa’s big, and more accomplished, rivals, Nigeria, could have the biggest say in whether or not Bafana Bafana make it to the Fifa World Cup next year.
As it stands, Benin top Group C of the Caf Fifa World Cup qualifiers with 17 points heading into the final round of fixtures on Tuesday. South Africa are second with 15 points, while Nigeria are third on 14 points.
Benin’s goal difference is five, while South Africa and Nigeria’s are both three.
Nigeria will host Benin at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with their hopes held high that they could still finish top of the group.
Nigeria’s Path to Victory: A Win Over Benin and Bafana’s Hope Against Rwanda
If Nigeria beat Benin by two goals or more, they will also end on 17 points but with a superior goal difference.
That would be just what the doctor ordered for Bafana, as they must simply win at all costs and just hope Benin lose.
Bafana will host Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium. The last time the teams met, Bafana lost 2-0 to hosts Rwanda in the second round of Fifa World Cup qualifiers way back in November 2023.
Of course, Bafana could have been in a much stronger position had they not been penalised due in large part to an administrative oversight. That was because Bafana fielded the ineligible Teboho Mokoena for a qualifier match against Lesotho in March.
It meant Fifa made the correct decision to dock Bafana three points as their 2-0 win over Lesotho was converted to a 3-0 loss.
Had they not been penalised for that error, things would have been rather different. For now, though, we are all Nigeria supporters first and Bafana second.