South Africa secured a dramatic and long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup finals on Tuesday, topping their qualification group after a decisive 3-0 victory over Rwanda, coupled with a crushing 4-0 defeat of former leaders Benin by Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana finished Group C on 18 points, overcoming the hurdle of a three-point deduction earlier in the campaign to qualify for the global showpiece for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
The final day delivered unprecedented drama as the top three teams—Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria—all entered the last round with a chance at automatic qualification. Benin, who started the day leading the group, tumbled dramatically to third place after their loss in Uyo. Nigeria finished runners-up with 17 points, just one behind South Africa, advancing to the second-round playoffs on superior goal difference over Benin, who also finished on 17 points.
Bafana Bafana’s Quick Start
Playing in Nelspruit, South Africa wasted no time asserting their dominance against Rwanda. Midfielder Thalente Mbatha, one of four changes made by coach Hugo Broos from the previous goalless draw against Zimbabwe, opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Mbatha’s trademark long-range shot proved too powerful for Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, forcing the ball into the net and instantly calming South African nerves.
By the time Mbatha scored, news filtered through that Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen had already put the Super Eagles ahead against Benin, effectively placing South Africa in the qualifying position from the onset.
Oswin Appollis doubled the lead in the 21st minute. After Thapelo Morena’s square pass found Evidence Makgopa, Appollis pounced on a loose touch and rifled the ball home from close range. The final goal came in the 72nd minute, courtesy of a corner taken by Appollis, which found striker Evidence Makgopa, who headed home Bafana Bafana’s third. All three goals came from players representing Orlando Pirates.
Nigeria Plays the Role of Kingmaker
While South Africa did their part, Nigeria played the vital role of group kingmaker. Needing a massive victory to ensure Benin did not secure top spot, the Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-0 performance, spearheaded by a hat-trick from striker Victor Osimhen and a late goal from Frank Onyeka. The overwhelming margin of Nigeria’s victory was the final, decisive blow that saw Benin fall out of the automatic qualifying spot and gifted the top position to the resilient South Africans.
Despite the embarrassment of being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in March, the focus has now shifted entirely to the celebration of a successful, albeit controversial, qualifying campaign. South Africa will now look forward to the 2026 tournament to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
