The hopes of qualifying for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup for South Africa were put at risk following the world football governing body’s decision to dock points from Bafana Bafana following their 3-0 victory over Lesotho in March.
The decision stemmed from fielding Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tebogo Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards and was suspended for the match in accordance with the rules of the game.
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Hugo Broos’ charges were on the brink of booking their spot to Canada, Mexico and the United States of America, where the tournament will be hosted, as they were leading Group C with 17 points, having won five games, drawn twice and lost once in their opening eight matches.
The three-point dock has seen Mzansi drop to second place with 14 points behind leaders Benin, who top the group because of a better goal difference. Now, they need to win the next two games with a good margin of goals to stand a chance of qualifying as group winners.
South Africa
Bafana last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 under the guidance of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, but their last appearance was in 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament.
Broos’ appointment revived the national team and brought success, including a bronze medal from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the next edition of the competition.
His squad has been dominated by Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players, with no inclusion of Kaizer Chiefs stars. Broos hailed the Buccaneers for pulling up their socks and providing strong competition for Masandawana, who have won the league for eight seasons in succession.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa | Friday, 10 October 2025 | 18:00 | Moses Mabhida Stadium
Zimbabwe
The Warriors are heading to this match with a score to settle following a 3-1 thrashing during their last meeting with South Africa. Though this is their home game, it will be played in the visitors’ home ground due to not having a FIFA-approved stadium.
Coach, Michael Nees, now assisted by Kaitano Tembo, who has spent a greater part of his coaching career in South Africa with clubs including SuperSport United, Richards Bay and Sekhukhune United, assembled a strong squad with players who are plying their trade in PSL, including AmaZulu’s Thando Ngwenya, Divine Lunga of Sundowns, Washington Arubi from Marumo Gallants and Magesi captain, Elvis Chipezeze.
The squad also include four players who are based in England and boast experienced attackers who made a name in the PSL, Knowledge Musona and Kama Billiat.
The neighbours will be playing for pride as their qualifying hopes were dashed after an underwhelming campaign. They are sitting at rock bottom with four points, having failed to register a win after recording four draws and four defeats in their eight matches.
Prediction: South Africa to win
This is expected to be a highly contested match, like their last encounter, where two goals were scored within the opening two minutes. However, Broos’ tactical awareness was the difference maker. He brought in a speedy Thapelo Morena, who netted a brace to ensure that Bafana bag all three points.
South Africa’s failure to win this showdown would signal the end of their campaign; they are set to go all out to ensure that they head to the last match with a slight advantage on their side.