Written by: Kamogelo Mogale
Bafana Bafana have secured themselves a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Rwanda 3-0 in their group C qualifiers match at the Mbombela stadium on Tuesday evening. The qualifications sees Bafana create history as they return to world showpiece after a 15-year absence, with their last showing being on home soil back in 2010.
Bafana went into this match needing nothing but a victory in order to secure automatic qualification, with the other permutation, citing a favour from group rivals, Nigeria to defeat Benin to pave a way for Bafana to qualify.
Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring charts for the national team in the opening five minutes, finding the top corner courtesy of an Oswin Appollis. Appollis went from being a provider to double Bafana’s lead in the 26th minute through an assist from Evidence Makgopa.
The home side continued their dominance in the second half, creating numerous opportunities before Evidence Makgopa finally added the third goal in the 72nd minute to make it 3-0. The football gods were smiling on Bafana. Even arch-rivals Nigeria were doing the Lord’s work in Uyo, with Victor Osimhen leading the onslaught against Benin with a hat-trick. A rare party in the heavens, with Amapiano and Afrobeats simultaneously creating a glorious cacophony.
Bafana cruised home to victory to finish at the summit of group C on 18 points – one ahead of Nigeria and Benin to secure their ticket at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician has also seen his football career come full circle, as he’ll now coach at the global showpiece — 40 years after competing in the tournament himself.
When hope seemed all lost, Hugo Broos the nation how to believe again. Broos, not only a coach but the heart beat of Bafana’s revival.
