There has been massive anxiety about the step the World Football Governing Body would take against Mzansi for fielding the suspended Mamelodi Sundowns star.
After a convincing victory over Lesotho, Bafana will be up to what is considered their toughest challenge in the group when they take on the ambitious and confident Super Eagles.
With the win against neighbours Lesotho, Mzansi moved an inch closer to getting a ticket to the global bonanza that will be held jointly by Mexico, Canada and the USA.
Bafana Bafana have two games standing between them and qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and Hugo Broos is determined to see through his team. But first, Lesotho await.
The Belgian tactician has already started to plan for the two major tournaments that the senior national team will be taking part in from late this year.
Great squad filled with quality and depth, good coach, amongst the favourites for AFCON and on track for FIFA World Cup qualification.. have South African fans ever had it so good?
Although some felt that Kaizer Chiefs' in-form midfielder Thabo Cele was a better player to get the call-up, the former Cameroon head coach has laid down what influenced his decision.
Lesotho
