Bafana Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup hang in the threat following their goalless draw against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday evening.
Hugo Broos’ men played their worst match in three years as they struggled to beat a 10-man Zimbabwean side. From the first whistle, the Warriors made life difficult for South Africa, dominating the midfield battle.
As Bafana pushed for the opener in the second half, the Warriors hit back with the counter and could have won the game had they been clinical.
What Bafana need to do to qualify for next year’s World Cup?
Coming into Friday’s match, Hugo Broos were level on points with Benin, and needed a big win to go top of Group C. A draw would have been a decent result if Benin had drawn with Rwanda but unfortunately for South Africa, the West Africans scored a late goal to go two points clear.
For Bafana to qualify for the World Cup, they need to beat Rwanda on Tuesday and hope Nigeria beats Benin.
A draw between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs will be enough for Bafana to go through if they beat the Wasp by two clear goals. Anything less than a win will see Broos’ men fail to qualify for another World Cup.
Bafana’s FIFA appeal
If Bafana wins their match against Rwanda and Benin also wins away to Nigeria, the Cheetahs will qualify; however, South Africa can still await FIFA’s response to their Teboho Mokoena case.
Last month, FIFA docked Bafana points, which saw their World Cup chances take a dive. If their appeal is somehow successful, South Africa could qualify for next year’s tournament, given they beat Rwanda.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) have appealed FIFA’s ruling by chances of them overturning the ruling are slim.