Broos needs a ‘miracle’ as Bafana’s World Cup dream fades

Bafana Bafana’s quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hanging by a thread, with coach Hugo Broos admitting qualification is now out of South Africa’s control.

Following a devastating 0-0 draw against neighbours Zimbabwe on Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Broos’s side slipped two points behind new Group C leaders, Benin.

The stalemate, which saw South Africa dominate but fail to convert chances, proved to be a critical blow. It compounds the impact of the recent three-point deduction by FIFA, which had already complicated Bafana’s campaign after they fielded an ineligible player earlier in the qualifiers.

A clearly “sad” and disheartened Broos met with the press, lamenting the team’s lack of fortune.

“I think you understand that tonight is a very sad night for us… We had chances to score. We had luck not with us today, certainly the second half with the ball on the line and another one on the post. We should have scored there and we should have won the game,” Broos said.

Bafana Bafana created enough opportunities, even against a fiercely determined Zimbabwean side that “fought for every meter,” but were constantly denied by the woodwork, goal-line clearances, and solid goalkeeping.

The Miracle Formula For Broos And Bafana

With the draw, Bafana Bafana (15 points) now trail Benin (17 points), who snatched a crucial 1-0 win against Rwanda. To secure the automatic qualification spot, South Africa’s final group match against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday has become an absolute must-win.

Crucially, Bafana will also need Nigeria to overcome Benin in their final match. Should that result go South Africa’s way, qualification would then be decided by goal difference. The complexity of the situation led Broos to a sobering conclusion:

“We don’t have it in our hands anymore. We have to try again to be ready for the game on Tuesday, try to win it and then see what happens. It’s still possible, but it has become more difficult. We still have to try and believe that maybe with a little miracle on Tuesda,y we still can qualify.”

To further complicate matters, Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was sent off for violent conduct in the dying moments of the match and will be suspended for the do-or-die clash against Rwanda. This defensive gap adds yet another hurdle to a qualification path that is now a steep, uphill climb.