Bafana Bafana secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory over Rwanda during a crucial Group C encounter at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. This triumph, alongside Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick for Nigeria against Benin, guaranteed South Africa’s place in the prestigious tournament.
This achievement marks Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup participation since 2002 and their first engagement since hosting the competition in 2010.
Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Boosts Bafana
As South Africa approached the match under significant pressure, they needed a win against Rwanda while also hoping for Nigeria to overcome Benin in Uyo.
Hope flickered when Osimhen netted the first goal for Nigeria just two minutes into the game, ultimately achieving his hat-trick to elevate South Africa’s standing over Benin.
With the results in their favor, Bafana Bafana finished first in Group C, earning 18 points from 10 matches, just one point ahead of Nigeria, while Benin slid to third.
Before this decisive match, Benin topped the group with 17 points—two points ahead of South Africa—and depended on Rwanda to stop Broos’s team from advancing.
Broos Implements Crucial Changes
Head coach Hugo Broos made four tactical adjustments to his starting lineup for this significant match.
With suspended defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi out, Khulumane Ndamane stepped in to partner with Nkosinathi Sibisi in central defense. Thapelo Morena took over from Mohau Nkota, and Evidence Makgopa replaced Lyle Foster, who was sidelined with a knee injury.
Midfielder Thalente Mbatha replaced Sphephelo Sithole and made an instant impact with a fantastic opening goal in the fifth minute from well outside the box, leaving Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari with no chance.
Appollis and Makgopa Complete the Victory
After coming close twice from within the area, Oswin Appollis finally found the net in the 26th minute, turning inside the box after a clever setup from Makgopa.
In the second half, Makgopa sealed the deal by heading in from an Appollis corner, making it 3-0.
Rwanda’s Abeddy Biramahire almost scored in the 82nd minute, but his powerful shot hit the woodwork and bounced away from Ronwen Williams’s goal.
A Comeback from FIFA Penalty
This qualification provides essential relief for Bafana Bafana, following a recent deduction of three points by FIFA for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during the qualifiers in March.
Mokoena had received two yellow cards, leading to a one-match suspension and a subsequent 3-0 forfeit to Lesotho.
This decision briefly dropped South Africa from first to second in the group, putting their qualification hopes at risk.
Following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in Durban last Friday, Bafana responded decisively in Mbombela, showcasing a stellar performance at a crucial juncture.
SAFA Set for Financial Benefits
With their qualification confirmed, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is set to receive over $6 million (R110 million) from FIFA in participation bonuses and preparation grants.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marks a new chapter for Bafana Bafana under coach Hugo Broos, whose team has remained unbeaten in World Cup qualifiers since November 2017.
Meanwhile, with their 4-0 win, Nigeria has advanced to the playoffs, with matches scheduled for November and March of the coming year.
Final Group C Standings
- South Africa – 18 points
- Nigeria – 17 points
- Benin – 17 points
- Lesotho – 12 points
- Rwanda – 11 points
- Zimbabwe – 5 points
