Bafana beat Benin to keep World Cup qualification dream alive

BAFANA Bafana and coach Hugo Broos seem to be a ‘match made in heaven. And that’s why they have every reason to believe they'll reach the promised land - the FIFA World Cup 2026!

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Bafana secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Benin in their sixth World Cup qualifier at Stade Félix Houphouét Boigny, Ivory Coast, remaining top of Group C with 13 points, five ahead of the latter, who are tied on points with second-placed Rwanda.

Broos needed to win this match at the neutral venue in Ivory Coast at all costs to keep their qualification campaign on track. The odds and past fortunes tipped them to do just that. After all, they had fond memories of this ground, having won their bronze medal in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations at the same venue.

South African clubs Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies also won their respective CAF Champions League crowns at this stadium.

But Bafana needed to win here for a broader reason. They came into the match on a bit of a low - they were without midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended.

Mokoena’ absence not only weakened the squad but also sparked controversy, as some believed Bafana could be docked points after fielding him in the 2-0 win over Lesotho in Polokwane.