AGAINST ALL ODDS: BAFANA BAFANA’S ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP

Mhlengi Khumalo

@into.mbiyakwakhumalo

 

Following a long wait, Bafana Bafana has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010. The team achieved this feat with an impressive 3–0 victory over Rwanda, aided by a bit of fate elsewhere.

 

The journey to this moment has been anything but easy. In Group C of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers, Bafana Bafana’s path to qualification featured moments of promise, setbacks, and even a critical administrative error. One of the biggest setbacks occurred during their match against Lesotho, when the team was penalised for fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was found to be ineligible after receiving two yellow cards in earlier Group C games. This mistake cost them three points, a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (R217,173.50), and awarded the match to Lesotho, intensifying the competition and turning a promising qualification bid into a nerve-wracking fight for survival.

 

They also struggled to maintain consistency, finding themselves trailing leading teams like Benin and falling two points behind after drawing against Zimbabwe. However, persistence, belief, and remarkable tactical discipline kept their optimism alive.

 

The decisive match took place at Mbombela Stadium, a venue well known for its electrifying atmosphere, where South Africa welcomed Rwanda, desperately needing a win to guarantee direct qualification. Five minutes into the game, Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring, rifling a shot past the Rwandan goalkeeper into the top corner. At twenty-six minutes, Oswin Appollis capitalised on an assist from Thapelo Morena and Evidence Makgopa to double the lead before halftime. Seventy-two minutes into the match, Makgopa rose to the challenge and scored a header, securing South Africa’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

 

Throughout the game, Bafana Bafana dominated possession and pressed hard, while Rwanda, already out of contention, could not match their intensity or precision. As the final whistle blew, scenes of euphoria erupted both in Mbombela and across South Africa, as the long drought was finally broken and Bafana Bafana secured a historic qualification. Although South Africa did what was required of them, their qualification would not have been possible without Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeating Benin 4–0, a result that allowed South Africa to clinch the top spot with 18 points, just ahead of Nigeria’s 17 points.

 

This qualification is more than just a tournament slot for South Africa, it is redemption. Bafana Bafana endured administrative errors, constant pressure, and fierce competition. They had to reclaim faith when others began to doubt them. The strength shown in crucial moments, the ability to overcome setbacks, and the unity within the squad and coaching staff have defined this campaign’s legacy. This is a story of perseverance: when the journey became difficult, Bafana Bafana found the will to push on. When others expected them to fail, they held strong. This is a team redefining its identity.

 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States between 11 June and 19 July 2026. For South Africa, their return marks an opportunity to prove that they belong among the elite nations. The squad will now shift focus to preparation, refining tactics, and building momentum. For the fans, this moment is a renewal of hope, dreams, and national pride.

 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt