Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after beating Rwanda 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Tuesday to top Group C.
Bafana’s goals were scored by Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa.
The team went into the match needing a win, and crossing their fingers that arch-rival Nigeria would halt Benin’s progress to the global showpiece.
The Super Eagles beat Benin 4-0, to finish the group as best runners and qualify for the playoffs.
Despite dominating the match, Bafana missed several golden opportunities, leaving fans at the stadium frustrated, including Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie.
The team now tops Group C with 18 points, one more point than close rivals Nigeria.
Bafana last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 and last appeared at the tournament in 2010 as host.
The elated coach, Hugo Broos, applauded the team, coaching staff, medical staff and everyone at the club, for working hard in the past three years to ensure a ticket to the USA, Mexico and Canada.
“This is fantastic, not only for us, as coach, players, etc, but all the nation. We were once a joke, and now we’re on a high level and everybody respect us. It’s not only my work, but the whole team. This is something that the nation needed, a different way to look at football, to judge players,” said Broos.
The Belgian mentor said he’s optimistic that the team would do better during this year’s AFCON in Morocco, as a good preparation for the World Cup.
Furthermore, he said that he hopes that the current crop of players, would be part of the World Cup.
