There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations. However, even by the tournament's extraordinary standards, the final of the 2025 edition was like nothing we've ever seen before - albeit not in a good way. In the 93rd minute of a tense but largely uneventful encounter in Rabat, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr very harshly disallowed for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi beforehand. Just moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after an invention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a minor tug on Brahim Diaz's shirt by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages ended on a high note with heavyweights taking the centre stage in the North African country of Morocco. In the four games that were played, 14 goals were scored, with the defending champions, The Elephants, scoring the most as they finished top in their pool.
Inspired by their 26-year-old star, the Carthage Eagles managed a convincing victory over the Uganda Cranes as their AFCON campaign started as they wished. The East Africans struck late in the second half to deny the North Africans a clean sheet. The 2004 AFCON champions now top their group ahead of Nigeria, who also won their opening game.
Latest reports suggest the South African Football Association has opted for a bold move: finalising the Teboho Mokoena yellow card blunder via internal ballot. The decision could have major implications for Tseka, whose oversight during the Lesotho qualifier remains under scrutiny.
From early promise to a costly points deduction, and a final-day showdown that left the nation breathless, South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign was a rollercoaster of brilliance, blunders and bold performances. It was a journey shaped by pressure, resilience and moments that won’t be forgotten.
South Africa are among the teams that have sealed their World Cup ticket thanks to their healthy win over Amavubi in the midweek outing, coupled with the Super Eagles' victory over the Cheetahs in Uyo. This is the first time since 2010 that Mzansi will be rubbing shoulders with the best in the global competition to be played next year.
After a goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday night, South Africa needed a win over Amavubi in Mbombela and hoped Nigeria would beat Benin in Uyo. Fate smiled on Hugo Broos’ side. The Belgian coach led Bafana Bafana to the global showpiece, marking their first successful World Cup qualifying campaign in 24 years.
The Simba SC midfielder is fully behind South Africa as they seek the victory that could propel the national team to the World Cup finals for the first time since the country hosted the 2010 version of the quadrennial event.
South Africa were cruising. Now they’re clinging. A belated points deduction and a goalless draw with Zimbabwe have left Bafana Bafana needing a win over Rwanda in Mbombela and a result from Nigeria against Benin to keep their World Cup dream alive. It’s the final Group C game and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Super Eagles are in a tight spot in their quest to play in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. However, their win over the Cheetahs on Tuesday might be what Mzansi need to get their ticket; but of course, they need victory against the Eastern African nation in another Group C fixture scheduled for the same day.
Mzansi's hope of playing in the prestigious global competition hangs in the balance after their recent goalless draw against the Warriors. The Hugo Broos-led team plays the Eastern African nation aware that they can't drop any more points if they are to sustain their chances of representing the continent in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Warriors frustrated Bafana as the game ended in a goalless draw in a match that the latter needed nothing but three points. This is a game that the Super Eagles also keenly followed because they also wanted their rivals to slip in order to gain ground in the qualification race.
Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.
As Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are on the brink of collapse, we look at key moments that led to the near-certain failure to qualify despite a campaign that seemed destined to end with the team competing in North America next year.
The Bucs star was automatically ruled out for the game against Amavubi after receiving his marching orders late against Zimbabwe. His booking was a double setback for Bafana, who were desperate to win and collect crucial qualifying points.
Although third in Group C, the Super Eagles still have a chance of topping the table and earn themselves an automatic ticket to the global football competition. But it is not in their hands as they also rely on other teams, although their captain says their eyes are not fixed on their rivals who could decide their fate.
The West Africans are still in the race for the prestigious global competition after collecting a vital win in their recent Group C outing. However, they will still have to rely on Rwanda to do them a favour by beating Hugo Broos in the pool for them to take the top spot. Only group winners are guaranteed a position in the tournament to be played next year.
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.
Benin
