From promise to pressure: Bafana Bafana must deliver against Rwanda

Bafana Bafana had been soaring with rhythm and purpose throughout their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, with almost every performance offering more than just promise.

Yet, in the space of one match — and a few turbulent weeks off the field — their harmony has faltered. The rhythm has stumbled, confidence has cracked, and the dream that once dazzled now teeters on the brink of fading into silence.

Heading into their high-stakes clash against Zimbabwe, the penultimate match of their qualifying campaign, a tight encounter was expected, despite the Warriors’ poor form and winless run leading up to the fixture.

But the goalless draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium, effectively a home game for Bafana despite being the away side, proved costly. What was expected to be a comfortable three points at the top of Group C has now turned into a precarious situation. 

South Africa will head into their final match against Rwanda needing not only a victory, but also a favourable result elsewhere — Bafana are at the mercy of Nigeria, who host group leaders Benin on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Nigeria

The Super Eagles, after a sluggish start to their campaign, have fought their way back into contention. Unbeaten in their last five games and collecting eleven points from a possible fifteen, their 2–1 win over Lesotho on Friday reignited their qualification hopes.

But to keep their dream alive, Nigeria must beat Benin — and do so emphatically. Benin's inferior goal difference means Nigeria likely need a 3–0 win while hoping South Africa falters against Rwanda, a side that already beat them 2–0 earlier in the qualifiers.

Benin, meanwhile, were not fancied to be contenders at the start, but they now lead Group C by two points and carry both momentum and confidence into the final round. They also have the psychological edge of having beaten Nigeria 2–1 in the reverse fixture.

Only three teams from this group can now qualify directly for the finals, and both Bafana and Nigeria’s best chance lies in topping the group, as their records among the best second-placed teams remain unconvincing. That leaves both sides relying on each other’s results to determine their fate.

For South Africa, it’s a tough position — made worse by the fact that qualification is no longer in their own hands. And it is unfortunate that with every setback they face now, reference will once again go back to the blunder by Safa, which cost the team three points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena when he was meant to be serving a suspension after receiving two yellow cards prior to the match against Lesotho in March.

Still, there is a small silver lining. Bafana hold a superior head-to-head record over Benin, having beaten them in both legs. Should Benin and Nigeria draw, this could play in South Africa’s favour — provided Hugo Broos’ men take care of business against Rwanda and do so with at least the two goals required to match or surpass the group leaders’ tally.

Against Zimbabwe, Bafana created several chances and dominated large spells, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved telling. The Warriors were only playing for pride, and the draw was celebrated as a huge result — and rightly so.

But even with their dominance, it was just not good enough from Bafana. With one final chance to revive their campaign, there can be no excuses left. The performance must now match the promise.