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Dingizwe Gwala

Bafana Bafana vs Lesotho - Hugo Broos has to make decision on Percy Tau, SA cannot afford to drop the ball as Nigeria look to bounce back

Bafana are facing tough 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho & Benin, here, GOAL looks at some aspects of Friday's match against Lesotho.

Bafana Bafana are eyeing an end to a 20-year drought of missing out on qualification for the world’s biggest football tournament. Their last appearance in the competition came in 2010 when they were the tournament’s hosts. Now, they’re determined to break that jinx and secure a place in the 2026 edition.

Lesotho, on the other hand, faces a monumental task. The nation has never qualified for the tournament and will need to overcome a steep challenge if they are to reach the 2026 World Cup.

Currently sitting in second place, South Africa finds itself locked on seven points alongside Rwanda and Benin, with all three teams just behind the leaders. This international break presents a golden opportunity for Bafana to rise to the top of the group if they manage to claim all six points on offer.

The pressure is on head coach Hugo Broos as he faces a key decision: should he reintegrate Percy Tau into the squad, or stick with the tried and tested players who have been part of the team’s journey so far? Regardless, South Africa must maintain their position and fend off the challenge from Rwanda and Benin if they hope to secure qualification.

Here, GOAL takes a look at the upcoming clash between South Africa and Lesotho.

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  • Hugo Broos, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    How tight is Group C?

    Group C is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with Rwanda currently leading the charge, just narrowly ahead of the favourites, South Africa and Nigeria. All three teams are locked on 7 points, along with Benin, making the race for qualification incredibly tight. South Africa’s upcoming match is now crucial. If they can seize control, they could topple Rwanda from the top spot - especially if Rwanda faces off against the Super Eagles in a game that might cancel each other out.

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  • Hugo Broos, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Can't afford to slip up

    South Africa can't afford to slip up at this stage, especially with Nigeria lurking just four points behind the leaders. The Super Eagles are still seeking their first win and will be determined to get their campaign back on track, facing Rwanda and Zimbabwe in their next two fixtures. If Nigeria manages to secure victories in both, they’ll be right back in the race, making it vital for Bafana to keep their momentum going.

  • Percy Tau, Qatar SC, January 2025.Qatar SC

    The Percy Tau factor

    The return of Percy Tau to the South African squad adds a new dimension to Bafana Bafana's attack. With competition from the likes of Oswin Appollis, Elias Mokwana, and Relebohile Mofokeng, Tau’s experience - especially his stint in Qatar - could prove invaluable. After last playing against Nigeria in June of the previous year, it will be fascinating to see if coach Hugo Broos opts for the seasoned Tau to lead the line in these pivotal fixtures.

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  • Hugo Broos, Percy Tau, Relebohile Mofokeng, Ronwen Williams of Bafana Bafana and Safa President Dr.Danny JordaanGOAL GFX

    SA's record against Lesotho

    Last five competitive games

    20/07/2013: Lesotho 1 - 2 South Africa

    18/06/2016: South Africa 2 - 1 Lesotho

    28/07/2019: Lesotho 3 - 2 South Africa

    04/08/2019: South Africa 0 - 3 Lesotho

    13/07/2021: South Africa 4 - 0 Lesotho

  • Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Confidence is key

    While Zimbabwe may currently sit at the bottom of the group with only two points, this is a group where no team can be taken lightly. Benin, like all the teams here, is still in with a shout and will enter the upcoming match against South Africa with renewed confidence. Bafana must head into the game against Benin with a positive mindset, knowing that any slip-up could have serious consequences for their qualification hopes.

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