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Bafana Bafana, October 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

'If Bafana Bafana cannot beat 10-man Zimbabwe, they should not go to World Cup! South Africa were qualifying until Hugo Broos selected more Orlando Pirates players over Mamelodi Sundowns; missing Relebohile Mofokeng was big calamity' - Fans

After being frustrated by the Warriors, Bafana's hopes now largely depend on the results from Nigeria and Benin. The Super Eagles will host their West African counterparts in a match that carries a lot of stakes in determining the winner of the group.

South Africa's hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals was dealt another blow after Zimbabwe held them to a goalless draw on Friday.    

This is a game that Bafana needed to at least compensate for the points lost when FIFA sanctioned them. However, they were unable to beat the Warriors, who were 10 men on the pitch for over 30 minutes.

South Africa will now have to depend on favours elsewhere; Nigeria must beat Group C leaders Benin to hand Mzansi the favour they want. 

Bafana, on the other hand, must beat Rwanda if they have to take advantage should Nigeria win.

Now, after the goalless draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, GOAL takes a look at how the fans reacted.

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  • Divine Lunga, Zimbabwe, Khuliso Mudau, South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    Do not waste money

    If Bafana can't beat a 10-man Zim at home, then they shouldn't waste taxpayers' money by going to the World Cup – Adhir Maharaj

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  • Hugo Broos of South AfricaBackpagepix

    Broos favours Pirates?

    We were going to the 2026 World Cup until Hugo started selecting more. Orlando Pirates Players Over Mamelodi Sundowns Players - Cure

  • Kanalelo Rapuleng and Ademola Lookman, Lesotho vs Nigeria, October 2025Backpagepix

    Nigeria are friends

    Now we are friends of Nigeria, as we're depending on them - Busang Lenatha

  • Relebohile Mofokeng of Bafana Bafana during the World Cup qualifier against LesothoBackpage

    Mofokeng missed

    Doctor Khumalo said that the absence of Rele Mofokeng may be a big calamity - Mothupi Molete

  • Zimbabwe, October 2025Backpage

    Zimbabwe are jealous

    Zimbabwe are jealous neighbours; they become Spain when playing SA but São Tomé when playing other countries - Motseo Motseo

  • Hugo Broos, South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    Broos chose his pride

    I love our coach.... But the fact that he left out Grobler for what I don't know. I mean, he had a second chance to call him after Rayner's injury, but no, he just chose his pride ahead of bringing on a striker in form like Grobler or even Mabasa - Kgauzen Shikwane

  • Sipho Mbule of South AfricaBackpagepix

    Mbule the heart of Bafana

    Sipho Mbule is the heart of this Bafana Bafana team. He is not your typical fast and all-over-the-place playmaker. He uses his slowness to his advantage, can’t press, and his football brains stand out the most in his game. Special player, this one - dEAR

  • Thembinkosi Lorch, Wydad AC, June 2025Backpagepix

    Thembinkosi Lorch needed

    Broos needs to stop his favouritism; Lorch deserved to play here. I'm sure he would have made a difference… He needs to start selecting players based on form - The VeZzy

  • Bafana Bafana, October 2025Backpage

    Players failed

    Even if this game were seven days long, Bafana Bafana would still not win it. Not because Zimbabwe was better, but because the South African players failed to apply basics. They can't pass, kick or control the ball. You can't hope for the best. You have to practice it - Mzwandile

  • Mduduzi Shabalala, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Broos' mistake

    Broos made a mistake by not playing Mdu after the red card. Mdu is the closest thing we have to Rele. We needed a player with sharp turns, with the possibility of creating a penalty with 1v1. Also, there was no reason to have both Mokoena and Aubas vs 10 men - Ntobeko Lesley