Bafana Bafana crush Rwanda to secure World Cup ticket after big favour from Nigeria

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Bafana Bafana crush Rwanda to secure World Cup ticket after big favour from Nigeria
Image - Bafana

Bafana Bafana finally completed the job, albeit through the help of Nigeria, as they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa thrashed Rwanda 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday and with Nigeria beating Benin 4-0, Hugo Broos’ men qualified directly for the World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.

Bafana Bafana headed into the match with their backs against the wall as they were banking on a favour from Nigeria, who needed to beat Benin, and as long as South Africa secured a win over Rwanda, then a World Cup ticket would be theirs.

They did just that as Thalente Mbatha gave them the lead after five minutes. The Orlando Pirates midfielder hammered home a loose ball from the edge of the box that Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari failed to gather properly.

Appollis extends lead but Nkota, Mudau wasteful  

The Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper punched the ball into his own net in an attempt to keep it out, helping Bafana Bafana’s cause.

The second goal was scored by Oswin Appollis after 26 minutes, the Pirates star curling home beautifully after poor defending in the box from Rwanda.

Bafana Bafana went into the break leading 2-0 and in the second half, they played a patient game although there were chances to extend their lead.

Mohau Nkota should have added the third with less than 25 minutes to go but fired directly at Ntwari before Khuliso Mudau also saw his effort kept out by the Rwanda stopper on the rebound.

Sports Minister leads World Cup celebrations

Sipho Mbule would also squander a glorious opportunity moments after but there was no denying Evidence Makgopa as he headed in the third in the 72nd minute from a corner.

The Pirates striker jumped highest to meet Appollis’ corner as Broos’ men completed the job in style.

With news filtering in that Nigeria had added the fourth goal, celebrations were evident in the stands and on the Bafana bench, although coach Broos kept his emotions in check.

Three minutes of added time proved too long for some but when the final whistle went, it was ecstasy with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie leading the celebrations as he shouted: “We are going to North America.”

South Africa return to the World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010 but this is the first time they have secured qualification since the 2002 edition in Japan and South Korea, a 23-year wait.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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