South Africa coach Hugo Broos is confident his team can make it to the 2026 Fifa World Cup without relying on other Group C members.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are arguably the main Bafana Bafana rivals in the pool, but they have been struggling for consistency. After matchday four, the West Africans have managed to collect just three points which puts them second last on the table.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nation bronze medalists are currently on seven points, the same as leaders Rwanda who have a superior goal difference and Benin who are third.
After the Finidi George side’s shock loss away to Benin, Bafana cruised at home against Zimbabwe.
Broos not relying on other teams to qualify – ‘Bafana will qualify because of their own results’
In his interview with the media, the Belgian underlined the importance of ensuring they do their job effectively. It is the only way for them to play in the World Cup for the first time in 14 years.
“I don’t look at the results of our opponents, I just look at our results,” the 72-year-old stated.
“If our results are good, whatever the opponents do is not important. It was important to win, not because Nigeria lost, no because it’s a win for us. That is the focus we need to have, not looking at other results.
“You will never qualify because of other results, you will qualify because of your own results and we’re on schedule. So let’s go on, next year when the qualifiers start again but I think if we can keep this level, we have a big chance to qualify.”
When will matchday five be played?
The World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025 where two rounds will be played in a span of two weeks.
Bafana will play Lesotho who have five points before facing Benin – a team they beat 2-1 away. The Super Eagles will travel to Rwanda where they will face off with Amavubi before hosting bottom-placed Zimbabwe.
After playing Nigeria, the group leaders will be up against Lesotho. Group winners will be guaranteed an automatic place in the 2026 World Cup to be jointly held by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
