Hugo Broos Remains Hopeful After Bafana’s Costly Zimbabwe Draw In World Cup Qualifier

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is refusing to lose faith after his side were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Zimbabwe in Friday night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The result saw South Africa lose ground in their qualifying campaign, with two valuable points slipping away. The draw allowed Benin to strengthen their position at the top of the group, now two points clear, while Nigeria climbed back into contention with a 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.

For South African fans, the calculators are out once again as the team’s qualification prospects hang in the balance.

Once comfortably leading the group, Bafana’s campaign suffered a major blow when FIFA docked three points after the team fielded ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoeana against Lesotho.

Hugo Broos Admits Challenge Has Intensified

Despite the setback, Broos remains positive and focused on keeping the team’s hopes alive.

“No, the situation becomes more difficult now than before. This game, but even if it’s not a hundred percent lost, it can still happen; it will be,” said Broos.

“It will be very important what happens in the game between Nigeria and Benin; we will see what results will be there, but on the other side, we don’t have to really look. If we win the game, we will see what happens, and that is the most important thing.”

The Belgian tactician, who has revitalised the national side since taking charge in May 2021, urged his players to stay focused ahead of their next must-win clash.

“I think we will be one or two days a little bit down, but I will do everything to have again a team that believes on Tuesday we will try to win the game with as much goals as possible because now it will be maybe the goal difference that will decide who goes to America.”

Benin remain group leaders with a superior goal difference, while South Africa and Nigeria are separated by just one point, making Tuesday’s fixtures decisive for all three teams.

All Eyes on Final Qualifiers as Pressure Mounts

South Africa will face Rwanda on Tuesday, while Nigeria and Benin battle it out in the final group fixture — a game that could determine who books their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

“It’s a good thing for us that Nigeria can even be first in the group, so they have to win against Benin in the last game, and then it depends first of all if we win and with how many goals, and if Nigeria wins also with how many goals,” Broos explained.

“So the biggest danger is now Benin. If we win, Nigeria cannot be over us, but if we don’t win, it’s finished. But if Benin lose, we can win maybe with two goal difference, then it’s still possible.”

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Zimbabwe vice-captain Marshall Munetsi also believes the race is far from over.

“I have a teammate who plays for Nigeria. As soon as he saw that South Africa had deducted three points, he was on my case at training, so I think it’s exciting for African football,” said Munetsi.

“But obviously South Africa have really been doing well. I think if you check their record in the last Afcon, they have been progressing very well.”

The CAF qualifiers will conclude on Tuesday, confirming the nine African nations heading to the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup.

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