A nation rejoices: Bafana Bafana qualify for the World Cup
Bafana Bafana have booked their spot in the World Cup after beating Rwanda on Tuesday evening.
Image: IOL Graphics
Bafana Bafana have qualified for next year’s World Cup in North America.
Hugo Broos’ men did what they needed to do on the night, securing a 3-0 win over Rwanda. In the other game, Nigeria beat Benin 4-0 – a result that meant South Africa finished top of Group C.
Before the game kicked off, Bafana’s fate rested in Nigerian hands, and they needed a huge favour from their long-time rivals, who were taking on group leaders Benin.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in just the third minute for the Super Eagles, and the Galatasaray striker struck again eight minutes before the break. And completed a famous hat-trick six minutes into the second half. Frank Onyeka scored a fourth deep into stoppage time.
Getting to this point, however, has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
At one stage, South Africa looked to be cruising towards qualification – until the infamous yellow-card saga involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
Mokoena, who had picked up two yellow cards in the opening two matches, played in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. FIFA later found South Africa at fault, overturning the result to a 3-0 defeat. The points deduction allowed Benin to surge to the top of the group, leaving Bafana needing favours from elsewhere to qualify.
There was further heartache last week when Bafana fell two points behind Benin after being held to a draw against Zimbabwe, while the group leaders beat Rwanda.
But on Tuesday, the stars aligned for Broos’ men as they claimed victory over Rwanda — and Nigeria did the rest against Benin.
South Africa return to the global showpiece for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
For Broos and his players, this qualification is a huge statement of South Africa’s football revival. After years of heartbreak and rebuilding, Bafana have reminded the continent that they belong on the biggest stage.
The road was rocky, but the destination couldn’t be sweeter. Now, the journey continues – to the World Cup, and to a new chapter in South African football history.
IOL Sport