In a night of high stakes and pure elation, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana
have sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first
return to the global showpiece since 2010. A dominant 3-0 victory over
Rwanda at a buzzing Mbombela Stadium was enough to clinch top spot in Group
C and send a nation into celebration.
From the first whistle, Bafana played with purpose and intensity. The
breakthrough came early, as Thalente Mbatha, recalled to the starting
line-up, announced his return in spectacular fashion. Picking up a pass
outside the box, he unleashed a powerful strike that found the back of the
net, though Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari will feel he should have done
better.
Hugo Broos’ men continued to pour forward, and their dominance was rewarded
with a second goal in the 25th minute. Evidence Makgopa, leading the line in
place of Lyle Foster, selflessly set up his Orlando Pirates teammate Oswin
Appollis, who executed a superb first-time finish to double the lead.
The only setback of the half was an injury to Thapelo Morena, who was
replaced by Mohau Nkota. However, Rwanda offered little threat, and Bafana’s
control remained absolute.
The second half followed a similar script, with South Africa hunting for a
decisive third goal. It arrived in the 71st minute, courtesy of a
well-worked set piece. Appollis turned provider, whipping in a corner that
Makgopa met with a perfectly cushioned header, sealing both his own
triumphant return and his team’s ticket to the World Cup.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory, a clean sheet, and the
end of a 15-year wait. The scenes in Mbombela were ones of unbridled joy as
Bafana Bafana secured their destiny, topping the group and booking their
flight to the 2026 World Cup.
Line-Ups:
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Sibisi, Ndamana, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbatha,
Mbule, Morena (Nkota 33′), Apollis, Makgopa.
Subs: Chaine, Goss, Shabalala, Aubaas, Cupido, Sithole, Matuludi, Nkota,
Moremi, Khoza, Kabini, Moloisane.
