Hugo Broos Comments on Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Qualification Hopes After Recent Blow
- Hugo Broos has broken his silence concerning Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
- The Belgian tactician was left disappointed after South Africa suffered a major setback in their last match against Zimbabwe
- The former Cameroon national team coach makes an honest confession ahead of last qualifier against Rwanda
Hugo Broos has conceded that Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are no longer entirely within their control, but he remains optimistic that a last-minute twist could revive their chances of qualifying for the global football event.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa and Zimbabwe played out a goalless draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The draw dealt a crucial setback to their chances of making it to next year's competition, leaving them with 15 points and second in Group C. They are two points behind the group leaders, the Benin Republic, who claimed a crucial away win over Rwanda, while in third place is Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana's last match in the qualifying phase will be against Rwanda at the same venue where they drew against Zimbabwe, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr's Benin Republic would travel to Uyo to take on the Super Eagles, with the three teams all having a good chance to seal the top spot.
Broos on Bafana Bafana's World Cup hopes
For Broos and Bafana Bafana, they need to defeat Rwanda in their last game, while also relying on the Super Eagles to defeat the Benin Republic as well.
The Belgian tactician claimed his team needs to make sure that they do the needful by beating Rwanda in their last game, despite it not being the only determining factor.
“The problem is that qualification is no longer in our hands,” Broos admitted. “We have to try to win on Tuesday and then see what happens after that. It’s still possible, even though it has become more difficult after this game. We just have to keep believing , maybe with a little miracle on Tuesday, we can still qualify. It’s a really sad evening, but there is still hope.”
Despite the disappointing result, Broos refused to criticise his players, praising their effort and commitment against a disciplined Zimbabwe side that defended deep and made life difficult for the hosts.
Source: Getty Images
The Belgian coach, who singled out Sipho Mbule for praise and also backed Mbekezeli Mbokazi despite being sent off, said he was frustrated by the outcome but not by the team’s performance, noting that his players had given everything but were unlucky not to find the net.
He urged them to bounce back quickly and show renewed belief in their next match, adding that while the disappointment would linger briefly, they must be ready to respond strongly in front of their home fans on Tuesday.
Broos comments on Mofokeng's absence
Briefly News earlier reported that Broos has addressed the questions about his team missing Relebohile Mofokeng in Bafana Bafana's draw against Zimbabwe.
The Orlando Pirates forward was included in the 23-man squad for the match, but had to withdraw due to injury.
Source: Briefly News
