Do-or-die World Cup qualifying match for Bafana Bafana

On the eve of Bafana Bafana’s make-or-break Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier against Rwanda, defender Thapelo Morena has called for a composed approach at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Bafana Bafana must emerge victorious and simultaneously hope for a result that favours them in the match between Nigeria and Benin.

Morena has opened up about the team’s shortcomings following their goalless draw against Zimbabwe last Friday. The result has left their chances of qualifying hanging by a thread, creating a frantic sense of urgency ahead of Tuesday’s game.

“We went into the Friday game focused on getting a goal, trying our level best to score, but we rushed our decisions,” he reflected. “Everything was in a rush.”

The defender noted that the pressure of the occasion may have contributed to their underwhelming performance in Durban.

Morena insists the team must adopt a more composed approach. 

“We have to deliver, and we will do our level best to grind out the result,” he said.

“We must go out all guns blazing, but we must not be too excited to get a goal. Eventually, we will get goals, especially at home, as we know the fans will support us.”

The result against Zimbabwe has disrupted Bafana’s campaign, leaving them in a position where qualification now depends on a combination of their own efforts and outcomes from other matches. To secure qualification, Bafana must beat Rwanda and, at the same time, hope that hosts Nigeria defeat Benin in Uyo. Additionally, should those matches end in a draw, Bafana Bafana will need to win by two clear goals.

Morena is well aware of the stakes and emphasises that the pressure felt against Zimbabwe cannot resurface.

“What happened on Friday is in the past. We must concentrate on the task ahead and execute our game plan,” he stated. “Now we are fully focused on Tuesday’s game.”

Historically, Mbombela Stadium has been a bastion of strength for Bafana, with an unbeaten record in their last ten games there.

However, it also serves as a reminder of past heartaches, notably the infamous 0-0 draw against Sierra Leone during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. When the goalless draw ended in October 2011, the dancing and celebration of South African fans were shown on TV before it became clear that Niger had qualified instead on the head-to-head rule.

Bafana should have won to claim the three points that would have guaranteed passage to the 2012 Nations Cup finals but instead misread the rules.

This incident highlights not only the passion South African supporters have for their national team but also the critical importance of understanding the intricacies of international tournament formats. To this day, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fine line between victory and disappointment in the world of sport.