‘Don’t doubt us’ – Broos confident of World Cup ticket despite Bafana points deduction

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called on South Africans to believe in his team and not get swayed by the points deduction imposed on them by FIFA.

South Africa were docked three points for fielding Teboho Mokoena, when he was supposed to be suspended for their match against Lesotho on March 21, which saw them drop from top place in Group C with 17 points to second spot, level on 14 with Benin, but with an inferior goal difference.

It leaves them needing to win their two remaining World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month but also hoping that Benin drop points or net fewer goals than them in their next fixtures to seal a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Broos unfazed by docked points

However, Broos has dismissed any assertions that South Africa face an uphill task as he believes nothing much has changed in the grand scheme of things and that his team will still make it to next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“We are still alive, people are trying to forget that and worry. It is three points less and yeah, it will be difficult but nothing has changed,” Broos said on SABC after unveiling his final squad for the matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

“After the game against Nigeria with three points ahead, we still had to win until our last game so the situation has not changed.”

Broos wonders why Benin, who play away to Rwanda and Nigeria, have suddenly become favourites yet they have tough games and the difference between them and South Africa is a one-goal advantage.

What is giving Bafana coach belief?

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Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says there is no need for the nation to be doubtful following a sanction by FIFA!

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“Why do we suddenly believe that Benin will win their two last games? And we are not [win our two games], I do not understand why suddenly people start doubting and it is like we cannot qualify anymore,” he added.

“Honestly for me, I was down when I read the letter [from FIFA] I said…I will not say what I said, but I was down also but one hour later, I said now we are going to prove that even what they did to us will not keep us away.”

Bafana Bafana play against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on October 10 before hosting Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium four days later.