World Cup dream dented: Broos blames bad luck as Bafana face uphill battle

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has all but conceded defeat in his side’s quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting it will be “very difficult” to qualify after a frustrating goalless draw with Zimbabwe on Friday.

“This is something very hard to accept. It is not totally lost, but it is very difficult now [to qualify],” a dejected Broos told the media following the Group C qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban

The stalemate leaves Bafana two points adrift of group leaders Benin with only one match remaining. Qualification now hangs by the thinnest of threads, requiring a final-day miracle.

A Prayer for the Super Eagles

Bafana’s only route to the World Cup is a win against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, coupled with a Nigeria victory over Benin in Uyo on the same day.

Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday keeps their own hopes alive, meaning the Super Eagles have every incentive to fight for a win against Benin—a vital factor playing in Bafana’s favour. If Bafana fail to beat Rwanda, a Nigeria victory would be enough for the Super Eagles to qualify.

Broos was adamant that his side deserved more than a draw, bemoaning the lack of fortune after they hit the woodwork twice and saw a prime opportunity for Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster cleared off the line.

“I think we tried everything, we didn’t have luck… You also need a bit of luck,” Broos stated. “We tried… against a very motivated Zimbabwe team.”

Salt in the Wound For Bafana and Broos

Benin then rubbed salt into Bafana’s wounds, snatching a late 1-0 away win against Rwanda—a result that tightened their grip on the top spot. Broos, however, refused to fault his players.

“This is not good also, that we don’t have that result in our favour. But what can I say, I can’t blame my team. I can’t be angry. I am just very disappointed that we couldn’t score the goal we needed,” he said.

Should Bafana beat Rwanda and the match between Nigeria and Benin end in a draw, the group winner would likely be decided by goal difference. Benin currently sit on +5 compared to Bafana’s +3. This scenario means Broos’s side would need a significant win—such as a 3-0 result—to stand a chance.

With options dwindling, the message for the final game is clear: “We have to go for victory against Rwanda and see what happens,” Broos declared.

The entire predicament serves as a stark reminder of the monumental blunder earlier this year when Bafana controversially fielded Teboho Mokoena while he was suspended against Lesotho in March. That catastrophic administrative error, which resulted in a 3-0 loss being awarded by FIFA in a match Bafana originally won 2-0, now looks more costly than ever. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the incident calls for serious introspection at the South African Football Association (Safa).