Bafana Bafana have their fate in their hands: Five talking points ahead Lesotho and Benin

Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana have been a team on the rise, and the continuation of the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers marks another important week in his tenure.

South Africa are currently second in Group C, level on seven points with Rwanda, who lead the group due to a better goal difference. The group winner will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Broos and his charges have an opportunity to build on their two wins so far against Zimbabwe and Benin (at home), as they prepare to take on Lesotho and Benin (in the return fixture) over the next week.

The first clash against Lesotho will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday (6pm kick-off). South Africa will then travel to Ivory Coast for the return leg against Benin on Tuesday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium (also 6pm kick-off).

Here, we look at five key talking points ahead of these crucial fixtures.

Underdogs can bite back

South Africa will be expected to secure wins in both encounters, and Broos has emphasised the importance of taking a big step toward qualification by securing six points from these two matches.

It is essential to reflect on the 2-0 loss against Rwanda, where Bafana, despite being composed of players exposed to competitive top-flight football, entered the fixture high in confidence against the 124th-ranked Amavubi side but fell short. Nothing is guaranteed, and the upcoming fixtures must be approached with caution and discipline to ease the challenge in the latter stages of the qualifiers.

Benin pose a real threat

Currently third in the group, Benin is also on seven points. South Africa narrowly escaped with a 2-1 win in the first leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in November 2023.

Goals from Khuliso Mudau and Percy Tau secured victory, but with both teams having identical records after four matches, Bafana will need to be at their best in a country they now know well following their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exploits last year.

Experience is key

Broos has selected a squad with a strong balance between youth and experience. With players from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC actively competing in CAF tournaments, their familiarity with foreign conditions will be crucial as they face two tough tests.

The noisy neighbors

Currently ranked 149th in the world, Lesotho always have a point to prove against South Africa, and Friday’s encounter will be no exception. Bafana sit 92 places higher in the rankings.

Rankings, however, will not count for much on match day. South Africa should still have the upper hand, especially with more challenging fixtures on the horizon. It will be vital for Broos and his team to capitalise on their opportunities, improve their goal difference, and send a strong statement ahead of the next match.

An opportunity to impress for returnees and newcomers

Percy Tau will be eager to make an impact upon his return after being left out of the AFCON qualifiers last year. He will be joined by Thabo Moloisane, who has been outstanding for Stellenbosch FC. Should he get the nod, this will be his chance to showcase why he is regarded as one of the best defenders in the country.