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 Super Eagles were lucky to go home with maximum points following a 2-1 win over Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. While the West Africans were not at their very best, they collected maximum points on the road and kept themselves in contention to go to the global tournament.
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.
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.
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.
With the case now settled, the football official says Bafana now have a chance of rightfully fighting for a slot in next year's finals. He also feels Lesotho would have played their last qualifier differently had FIFA rendered judgement.
It is advantage Benin after FIFA's sanctions on South Africa took them to the top of Group C. But Eric Chelle's side still have a chance to go to the summit of the standings, something that has restored hope in his side. But a former Nigeria international has lambasted the West Africans for relying on other teams.
SA found themselves in hot water following Mokoena's appearance against Lesotho, who complained and brought the matter to FIFA's attention. After the ruling, the FA official says he has been vindicated because he helped restore the game's integrity.
South Africa’s World Cup hopes took a major hit as FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding Mokoena, deemed ineligible, in the March 2025 qualifier against Lesotho. The ruling strips Bafana Bafana of crucial points, slaps SAFA with a fine and a warning to Mokoena.
Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.
The Super Eagles and the Cheetahs have been banking on the world football governing body to punish the Southern African nation for a massive blunder made in the qualifiers.
Nigeria
.JPG?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
