World Cup (Q): South Africa have plenty to play for – Lyle Foster

South Africa football team target-man Lyle Foster has refused to give up hope on their dream for a seat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Burnley FC forward told the South African Football Association media that they still have a lot to play for going into the last match of the Group C qualifiers against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

“There’s still so much to play for.” – Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster #BafanaPride@SABC_Sport @flysaa pic.twitter.com/RGnlXUTaP4

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 12, 2025

Bafana Bafana face Amavubi in a decisive match that will not only be defined by a win. Result of Nigeria’s home against table-topping Benin will have far-reaching consequences on South Africa’s dream for a place at the World Cup finals.

Hugo Broos’ men, after having three points docked for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena then dropping points in a goalless draw with Zimbabwe, now face an uphill task. On the other hand, Rwanda’s home 0-1 loss to Benin means that Amavubi are out of the race and have nothing to play for save for spoiling the party for the South Africans.

Foster highlights importance of South Africa’s game against Rwanda

Foster know what the game against Rwanda means suggesting that it could define their race hence they need a win at all cost.

“It wasn’t the result that we wanted [against Zimbabwe], but we believed we would get a different result,” the former Orlando Pirates forward said.

As we continue to build up to the final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport @flysaa pic.twitter.com/AiYrbfs4QE

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 12, 2025

“The mood in camp is still very good. We know it is not very far from over. We play on Tuesday. It is a very big game and I think we will get a result. The past is the past now. It is done and dusted, we are looking forward. No reason to feel despondent. If there was nothing to play for, I would understand, but there is still so much to play for, so there is no reason to be despondent.”

The Burnley FC man has since called for fans to continue rallying behind Bafana Bafana who sit in second place, two points behind the leaders Benin.

Amavubi have since arrived in South Africa. Benin lead the table with 17 points, three ahead of Nigeria, who edged Lesotho 2-1 on Friday while Zimbabwe held South Africa 0-0 on the same day. Benin will now take on the Super Eagles.

Group C table

Team Points

Benin 17 pts (GD: +5)

South Africa 15 pts (GD: +3)

Nigeria 14 pts (GD: +3)

Rwanda 11 pts

Fixtures

13 October 2025

South Sudan v Togo (Group B)

Lesotho v Zimbabwe (Group C)

Cabo Verde v Eswatini (Group D)

Mauritius v Libya (Group D)

Cameroon v Angola (Group D)

Equatorial Guinea v Liberia (Group H)

São Tomé and Príncipe v Malawi (Group H)

Tunisia v Namibia (Group H)

14 October 2025

Congo DR v Sudan (Group B)

Senegal v Mauritania (Group B)

South Africa v Rwanda (Group C)

Nigeria v Benin (Group C)

Morocco v Congo (Group E)

Gabon v Burundi (Group F)

Seychelles v The Gambia (Group F)

Côte d’Ivoire v Kenya (Group F)

Guinea v Botswana (Group G)

Somalia v Mozambique (Group G)

Algeria v Uganda (Group G)

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