AFCON 2025
South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos says his team are in prime position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of Nigeria and Benin Republic as the CAF qualifiers for the tournaments enters its last window.
The Belgian tactician believes that Nigeria can only get 17 points if they win their two matches while Benin Republic who currently lead the group following FIFA’s latest ruling on South Africa can’r win their next two matches.
Broos added that a win for South Africa against Zimbabwe on Friday will give them the necessary edge over Nigeria. Hence, the match against the Warriors is key to their ambition.
“That game on Friday is maybe the most important, he told reporters.
“If we can win that game you have 17 points. Nigeria, if they win their two games, they can only have 17 points, same thing for Rwanda.”
“But Benin cannot win their two games because they play against Nigeria and Rwanda, therefore the game on Friday is so important for us to win it.”
Broos, however, went on to dismiss any fears about losing momentum following the points and goals deductions, expressing full belief in his players’ ability to pick the World Cup ticket.
“There are no doubts, there have never being doubts from my side. I will try to transfer that to the group tomorrow at a meeting we have, like always. I believe in that group,” he added.
Despite a recent points deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokeona, against Lesotho in March 2025, South Africa still occupy second spot in the group, three points above Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes on track, while relying on South Africa and Benin Republic to drop points.
Lesotho will host Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday and Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
