What it would mean for Bafana to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since 2002
The impact of Bafana Bafana qualifying for their first FIFA World World Cup since 2002 cannot be underestimated, and if they are successful in their mission it signal a new dawn for South African football. Picture: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana are on the verge of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 2002 edition, and though their lead in Group C of the CAF qualifiers should be enough, it would be an incredible achievement if they book their ticket.
If Bafana hold onto that top spot, they will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four best runners-up in the groups will then head to CAF play-offs for a route to the inter-confederation tournament.
However, FIFA has yet to rule on Bafana fielding an ineligible player for their qualifier match against Lesotho five months ago. Bafana won that match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium 2-0, but Teboho Mokoena participated in that clash even though he had received two yellow cards in previous qualifiers, which means he had a one-match suspension.
According to FIFA rules, Bafana should have been penalised with a 3-0 loss due to this infringement.
Lesotho’s delayed complaint leaves Bafana’s qualification uncertain
Lesotho, though, did not lodge their complaint in time, and FIFA is yet to rule on the matter.
It means Bafana could still be docked three points at the end of their qualifiers.
That’s why their two remaining qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month could still decide their fate.
South Africa now cling to a three-point lead on 17 points at the top of their group. Benin are third on 14 points, with Nigeria in third on 11 points, ahead of Rwanda on goal difference.
Bafana qualified as hosts for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the chance to appear at the tournament again courtesy of their own results could just well signal a new dawn for South African football.