Bafana eye World Cup qualification as Broos rallies troops for crucial Benin clash

BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos admits their Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifying fate is in their hands, and that's why they must do their part, as an arch-rival will also aid their cause.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Bafana are sitting comfortably at the top of Group C in the group stage qualifiers with 10 points after five games, thanks to three wins, one draw, and one loss.

Broos' men secured a victory in their last game, beating neighbours Lesotho 2-0 at a sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, thanks to goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams. With all the teams in the group having played five games, and Bafana holding a two-point lead, they are on course to finish at the top and qualify for the finals in North America.

However, Bafana can't afford to falter if they want to maintain their lead. That's why Broos insists they must be at their best against group runners-up Benin at a neutral venue in Ivory Coast on Tuesday (6pm kick-off). Broos, though, is also drawing confidence from the fact that their nemesis, Nigeria, will likely do them a huge favour by defeating their opponents in an effort to catch up at the top.