Bafana Hit by Defender Blow Ahead of Crucial WC Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon has suffered an injury just ahead of two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

The injury, sustained while playing in Germany, arrives just as head coach Hugo Broos is preparing to announce his final squad for the last two crucial qualifiers.

The 21-year-old centre-back was in action for his club, Hannover 96, in the German Bundesliga 2 when he was forced off the pitch. 

During their 3-1 win over Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday afternoon, Okon was seen limping as he exited in the 34th minute, immediately raising alarms in the Bafana camp. 

Okon is scheduled to undergo a medical test on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury, but the short lead time for the national team casts a bleak outlook.

South Africa is facing their two most significant matches of the campaign next week, taking on the Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Amavubi of Rwanda. 

These fixtures are the final opportunities to earn points and secure qualification for the global showpiece in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

OKON PART OF BAFANA 45-MEN PRELIMINARY TEAM

Okon was recently named in Broos’s expanded 45-member preliminary squad. The defender has been rewarded for his excellent form since his summer move to Hannover from the now-defunct SuperSport United. 

He has rapidly cemented his place in the German team, featuring in eight matchesacross all competitions and notably contributing one goal. 

His consistent involvement was a key factor in his selection for the preliminary list. 

However, the calendar is unforgiving. With the first qualifier scheduled for next week and the final Bafana squad selection expected to be confirmed this week, Okon simply does not have the necessary window for recovery. 

His injury places his call-up in the highly unlikely category, forcing Broos to reconsider his defensive options.