Bafana Bafana are just 90 minutes away from reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but they must beat Rwanda in Mbombela and hope Nigeria take care of Benin in Uyo.
After Friday’s deflating goalless draw against Zimbabwe, coach Hugo Broos has made two forced changes and two tactical decisions.
The injured Lyle Foster has been replaced by Evidence Makgopa, while Thapelo Morena, Thalente Mbatha and Khulumani Ndamane have come in for Mohau Nkota, Sphehelo Sithole and the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi, respectively.
BAFANA BAFANA STARTING XI VS RWANDA AT THE MBOMBELA STADIUM
Full starting line-ups:
South Africa: Williams (c), Mudau, Sibisi, Ndamane, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbatha, Mbule, Morena, Apollis, Makgopa.
Rwanda: Ntwari, Mzansi, Mutsinzi, Gilbert, Niyomugabo, Mugisha, Binzimana, Mugisha, Bizimana, Muhire, Kwizera, Nshuti.
Meanwhile, Benin and Nigeria are also kicking off at 18:00 in Uyo. Benin’s shock win over Rwanda on Friday pushed them two points clear at the top of Group C, meaning Broos’ side must beat Rwanda and hope Nigeria defeat or draw with Benin.
A draw in Uyo and a win for Bafana Bafana will decide the World Cup ticket on goal difference. As things stand, Benin are ahead with two goals, meaning South Africa must win 2-0 if Benin and Nigeria end at 0-0.
If Bafana pull it off, it will be South Africa’s first World Cup qualification in 23 years without the advantage of being hosts.