South Africa’s Bafana Bafana return to action on Friday evening with a decisive World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Hugo Broos’ team are chasing top spot in Group C after a three-point deduction altered the complexion of the standings.
Zimbabwe vs. Bafana Bafana Match details:
- Date: Friday, 10 October
- Kick-off: 18:00 CAT (16:00 GMT)
- Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
- TV: SuperSport, SABC
Group C setback
Bafana had originally led the group on 17 points, but the fielding of ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a March clash with Lesotho cost them dearly. FIFA docked three points, leaving South Africa level with Benin on 14 points but behind on goal difference.
Former SAFA CEO and FIFA disciplinary committee member Raymond Hack has made it clear that the appeal is unlikely to succeed, meaning Broos’ men must do the job on the pitch to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Familiar home advantage
Despite the official fixture list labelling this a Zimbabwe home match, the clash will take place in Durban due to Zimbabwe’s lack of an approved venue. Benin coach Gernot Rohr recently noted that South Africa enjoy a “crazy” advantage, with away fixtures against neighbours effectively being played at home.
That advantage could be crucial as Bafana aim to build momentum before their final qualifier against Rwanda on 14 October.
Squad updates and key players
Hugo Broos has shuffled his squad ahead of the clash. Key updates include:
- Sipho Mbule takes a midfield spot, edging out Orlando Pirates teammate Patrick Maswanganyi.
- Khuliso Mudau returns at right-back after resolving issues with Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole is back from a long injury layoff and is expected to start in midfield.
- Mduduzi Shabalala replaces injured winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
- Evidence Makgopa comes in for Iqraam Rayners, who withdrew for medical reasons.
Expected lineup
Ronwen Williams (GK); Aubrey Modiba, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau; Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Mohau Nkota; Lyle Foster.
Zimbabwe’s record against Bafana
Zimbabwe last beat South Africa in 2013 in a friendly. Since then, Bafana have enjoyed the upper hand with three wins and a draw in their last four encounters. Friday’s clash presents the Warriors with a chance to disrupt their neighbour’s World Cup ambitions, but Bafana enter as favourites given their form and home setting.
Check also: Orlando Pirates Striker Makgopa Gets Late Bafana Call-Up After Rayners Injury
Only the group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The four best runners-up across CAF’s nine groups will battle in a playoff to determine Africa’s entrant to the intercontinental playoffs.
For Bafana Bafana, reclaiming top spot before the Rwanda clash is vital. Another slip could leave their qualification dream hanging by a thread. South African fans will be hoping Broos’ side rise to the occasion, take full advantage of the home setting, and move one step closer to the 2026 World Cup.
What do you think – will Bafana Bafana secure the points in Durban, or could Zimbabwe cause an upset? Share your views below.
