South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has expressed confidence in Bafana Bafana’s chances of securing a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, emphasizing that Nigeria Super Eagles’s performances in the qualifiers could indirectly aid his team’s campaign.
Bafana Bafana currently lead Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 10 points following their 2-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday. The win put them ahead of Benin Republic, who sit second with eight points after drawing 2-2 with Zimbabwe.
Rwanda, with seven points, is third, while Nigeria climbed to fourth place with six points after defeating Rwanda 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
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Speaking after South Africa’s win at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Broos acknowledged Nigeria’s crucial role in the group’s outcome despite trailing by four points.
“I mentioned earlier that there’s a team in this group that can help us a lot, and that team is Nigeria, they showed it by beating Rwanda. They cannot afford to drop points, so they will fight for victory in every match.
Right now, we are four points ahead of them, and if we stay focused and do what we need to, Nigeria will help us—just watch.”Broos said via Far Post.
Broos led South Africa to bronze medal at AFCON 2024. (Photo Credit SABC)
With three wins, one draw, and one loss in five matches, South Africa is determined to maintain their position at the top and strengthen their qualification bid.
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The qualifiers continue on Tuesday, March 25, with key fixtures across Group C. South Africa will face Benin at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, while Nigeria takes on Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Rwanda will host Lesotho in Kigali, with all matches set to be played simultaneously.
Troost-Ekong Sends Strong Message Ahead of Zimbabwe Clash
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has issued a firm response ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Zimbabwe. Reports suggest that Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised the Warriors a $150,000 incentive for a win over Nigeria.
However, Troost-Ekong has assured that the Super Eagles are fully aware of the stakes and will give their all to secure three points as they push for World Cup qualification.
