After their points were deducted by FIFA, South Africa needed to win against the Warriors in order to boost their chances to qualify for the global showpiece. However, they were unable to get the crucial points against their group opponents, who were disadvantaged after Knowledge Musona was sent off.
The unfortunate deduction of three points by FIFA for fielding Teboho Mokoena when he was suspended dropped South Africa to second in Group C on goal difference. But qualification is still in reach if the team wins against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, and can score a few goals while doing it.
With the national team's bid to reach the quadrennial competition's finals in 2026 hanging in the balance after several recent setbacks, GOAL examines the reasons why South Africa has what it takes to win their remaining two matches to top Group C and qualify directly for the tournament in June next year.
The former Cameroon coach was forced to make another change to his squad after another key player was ruled out. To fill the gap, the tactician considered the Sea Robber, whom he believes is up to the task.
South Africa are facing a big test of character in their last two games in their bid to return to the global finals as they face the Warriors and Rwanda. They have been in an almost similar situation before when Ghana ended their quest to go to Qatar during Hugo Broos' early days as their coach. Now, they would want to avoid failing again and as their northern neighbours threaten to dash their hopes.
South Africa are preparing for two final qualifiers under considerable pressure given that they must fight and compensate for the points lost through deduction. However, a retired star has given them a strategy that they can use and collect six more points.
Coach of the South Africa national side has explained the reason why the two are no longer part of his team after they both left Stellenbosch to join the Brazilians this year. Now with both Masandawana stars struggling for regular football they have lost out on their national team jerseys and face missing the continental finals in Morocco.
This fan urges South Africa not to rely on results elsewhere in Group C but to go 'for the kill' in their own games to ensure Mzansi can enjoy their first appearance at the global tournament since hosting in 2010.
In his characteristically blunt style the Belgian tactician pointed out the midfielder and defender were wrecking their AFCON and World Cup dreams by pursuing moves that led to them warming the bench instead of gaining valuable playing time.
The Bucs youngster has been ruled out after suffering an injury during their Carling Knockout Cup game against Siwelele. Ahead of the vital games, the Mofokeng absence is another setback that Bafana are facing, apart from the FIFA decision to deduct their points.
Broos' decision to overlook players from the Soweto giants raised eyebrows given that Amakhosi look like a much more improved side than they were last season. Although they do not have players in the national team, Makhosi have been told to support Bafana wholeheartedly.
The Bucs' youngster could not complete the Saturday game against Siwlele, and these injury fears rose just before he joined his national teammates for Bafana games ahead. However, the Sea Robbers tactician has called for patience as the forward is assessed.
