The stage is set for a thrilling and decisive conclusion to Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
With only two fixtures remaining, the race in Group C is incredibly tight: Hugo Broos’ men currently sit in second place with 14 points, separated only by goal difference from group leaders Benin.
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Heading into these crucial final fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, Bafana Bafana has been dealt a major blow: the in-form striker Iqraam Rayners has been ruled out due to injury. In response, Head Coach Hugo Broos has called upon Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa to fill the void.
This required change reignited the debate over Broos’s vast selection choices. African football expert Mogale Sathekge spoke on Soccer Betting News, pointing out the wealth of attacking talent available to the national team coach.
“He could have called any player, I mean, he could have called Bradley Grobler, he could have called Tshegofatso Mabasa, he could have called Dithejane,” Sathekge highlighted, emphasizing the fierce competition for national team spots.
The Thembinkosi Lorch Snub
The discussion inevitably turned to a prominent figure who has consistently been left out of recent Bafana Bafana camps: former Orlando Pirates star, Thembinkosi Lorch.
Addressing the continued snub, Sathekge acknowledged Lorch’s current output, stating: “There are quite a couple of players in the PSL now that they are doing very well and also abroad, man. I mean, whatever Lorch is doing right now, where he is, we can’t dismiss that.”
This pundit’s comment suggests that, despite Broos’s clear preference for his established squad, Lorch’s consistent club form makes his omission a major talking point that cannot be simply ignored.
The Shadow of the Point Deduction
It is critical to remember that Bafana Bafana’s current nail-biting position is largely the result of administrative error, not on-field failure. The South Africa national team was initially flying high at the top of Group C before they were docked three points by FIFA.
This sanction was imposed for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the victory over Lesotho in March, as he was suspended for picking up two yellow cards.
Current Standings
Benin leads the group on 14 points, with Bafana Bafana in second place, also on 14 points (from eight games).
Nigeria and Rwanda are close behind, both occupying third and fourth place, respectively, on 11 points.
The stage is truly set for a dramatic climax, where every goal and every point in the final two matches will determine if Bafana Bafana can qualify directly for the World Cup.
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