South Africa are preparing for a pivotal showdown against Zimbabwe in the first of two decisive World Cup qualifying matches set to unfold in the coming days.
Their campaign took a hit after being penalized three points for fielding an ineligible player—Teboho Mokoena—during their March victory over Lesotho. Mokoena had been suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, a costly oversight that reshaped the Group C standings.
Read: Sphephelo Sithole discusses Bafana Bafana return amid career-threatening injury
Despite the setback, Bafana remain in contention, currently second in the group with 14 points from eight matches, trailing Benin only on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely behind, both sitting on 11 points, with Nigeria edging ahead into third place.
Bafana first take on bottom-placed Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday before playing Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Benin face Rwanda and Nigeria in their two final games.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bafana boss Hugo Broos said he remains confident his team can qualify for the World Cup.
“Friday’s game (against Zimbabwe) is maybe the most important,” Broos said in the Citizen.
“If we win that game we have 17 points. If Nigeria win their two games they can only get 17 points. It is the same for Rwanda. But if they (Nigeria and Rwanda) win their two games, then Benin cannot win two games.
“There has never been a doubt (about qualification) from my side. I will try to transfer that to the group. I am sure on Friday they will do everything to win the game. And why should we doubt it given the past performances?”
Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees is, meanwhile, full of confidence of an upset heading into the tie, with his team already out of contention to qualify.
The Warriors are bottom of Group C with four points from eight games.
“The boys are motivated and working hard. We know what’s at stake and are confident that we can perfect our strategies before kick-off,” said Nees on Sports247.
“Every team we face will meet a Zimbabwe side ready to fight. We’ve analysed our past games, learned from our mistakes, and are coming back stronger.”
Bafana will be without injured Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng for the two ties.
South Africa have not qualified for the World Cup since 2002, having played in the 2010 edition of the tournament as hosts.