Bafana Bafana of South Africa have sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010, after a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Coach Hugo Broos’ men went into the final Group C match needing a win, and results elsewhere to go their way. Their hopes were boosted early when Nigeria took the lead against Benin Republic in Uyo, creating the perfect scenario for South Africa to book their ticket to North America.
Read Also: World Cup: Osimhen fires hat-trick as Nigeria crush Benin to seal play-off spot
Bafana made a flying start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Thalente Mbatha, whose long-range strike left Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari stranded.
Oswin Appollis doubled the advantage midway through the first half, before Evidence Makgopa sealed the result with a header in the 72nd minute.
South Africa’s qualification was confirmed after Nigeria thrashed Benin Republic 4-0, with Victor Osimhen netting a hat-trick.
The result saw Benin, who had led the group before kickoff, drop to third on goal difference, while Nigeria finished second with 17 points, one behind Bafana Bafana.
Broos’ men topped Group C with 18 points, completing an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them recover from a 3-0 forfeit defeat imposed by FIFA earlier this month for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March, a decision that had temporarily pushed them down to second place.
South Africa now join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde as the seven African nations to have secured automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
