Bafana Bafana’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces a critical test
this evening as they take on COSAFA rivals Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida
Stadium. The match comes after a significant shift in the Group C standings,
with South Africa having been docked three points by FIFA for fielding an
ineligible player against Lesotho.
This points deduction has seen Bafana drop to second place, though they
remain level on points with group leaders Benin. The team has also dealt
with squad changes, as Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners withdrew this
week, with Mduduzi Shabalala and Evidence Makgopa stepping in as
replacements.
For Zimbabwe, the match is a matter of pride, as they sit at the bottom of
the group with only four points and are no longer in contention for
qualification.
The line-ups for the crucial qualifier are as follows:
Zimbabwe: Arubi, Zemura, Garananga, Lunga, Hadebe, Billiat, Nakamba,
Chirewa, Munetsi, Musona, Takwara.
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbule,
Sithole, Nkota, Appollis, Foster.
Bafana Bafana Substitutes: Chaine, Goss, Shabalala, Aubaas, Ndamane,
Makgopa, Matuludi, Morena, Moremi, Mkhoza, Kabini, Mbatha.
