- In a dramatic Africa World Cup qualifier finale, South Africa defeated Rwanda 3-0 at home while group leaders Benin suffered a stunning 0-4 loss to Nigeria. This double result saw South Africa leapfrog Benin to top Group C and qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key Details:
- Historical Return: This marks South Africa’s fourth World Cup appearance (1998, 2002, 2010, 2026) and their first via qualification since 2002, ending a 16-year drought.
- Hosting Legacy: Their 2010 campaign as hosts ended in ignominy as the first-ever host nation to exit the group stage.
- Qualifying Drama: Despite a mid-campaign deduction for fielding an ineligible player, South Africa’s clinical 3-0 win over Rwanda, combined with Benin’s collapse, sealed their spot.
Coach’s Reaction: Hugo Broos hailed the team’s resilience: “This victory symbolizes South African football’s revival. We overcame setbacks to rewrite history.”
Team Performance: Goals from Mbatha, Apollis, and Makgopa secured the crucial win, with Apollis contributing a goal and two assists.
Group Standings: South Africa (18 points) edged Nigeria (17 points) and Benin (17 points) on goal difference to claim the automatic berth.
Context: Africa’s nine qualifiers—including Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt—now set their sights on the 2026 tournament, where South Africa aims to erase past disappointments and make their mark.
