Bafana Bafana Qualify for 2026 World Cup After Dominant 3-0 Victory

South Africa's World Cup dreams alive after crucial win over Rwanda

South Africa advances to the 2026 World Cup after a dominant 3-0 win over Rwanda. Read more about their qualification story.

The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Appollis scored a brilliant goal...

South Africa secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda, finishing top of Group C despite a three-point deduction earlier in the campaign.

Benin, who had a two-point lead going into the final round, lost 4-0 to Nigeria in Uyo, ultimately finishing third in the group with 17 points. South Africa finished with 18 points, edging out Nigeria, who also had 17 points but lost out on goal difference.

Nigeria and Benin trailed closely, both ending with 17 points, but Nigeria took second place due to a superior goal difference.

The South African team delivered a convincing performance against Rwanda, with Thalente Mbatha scoring the opening goal in just the fifth minute. Oswin Appollis doubled the lead in the 21st minute, setting the tone for a dominant display. Evidence Makgopa sealed the victory with a third goal midway through the second half, capping off an impressive win.

This qualification marks a significant milestone for Bafana Bafana, which returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Despite earlier setbacks, including a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, the team demonstrated resilience and determination to secure their spot on the world stage.

Teboho Mokoena's stunning long-range strike proved crucial for South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, reminiscent of his impressive goals in previous matches. In their recent match against Congo, Mokoena scored twice, including a beautiful shot from the edge of the penalty area that sealed a 5-0 win for South Africa.

Thalente Mbatha scored a stunning goal, blasting the ball into the net after being set up by Oswin Appollis. The shot was so powerful that Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari could only palm it away, but it wasn't enough to prevent the ball from flying into the net.

By the time Mbatha scored in the 5th minute, Nigeria had already taken the lead over Benin through Victor Osimhen's goal. However, it would take more than just Nigeria's win to seal South Africa's World Cup fate. They needed to win against Rwanda, which they did in style.

Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari made a crucial save in the 12th minute, denying Oswin Appollis from close range. The resultant corner kick opportunity was squandered by Teboho Mokoena, who miscued his header with an open goal beckoning.

The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Appollis scored a brilliant goal. Thapelo Morena's square pass found Evidence Makgopa, who drew a defender before Appollis cleverly took the ball off his feet and thrashed it home, doubling South Africa's lead and energizing the sparse crowd.

Here is that beauty from Appollis!!

Visuals Courtesy of @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/EoyHCsXEVB

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Thapelo Morena's injury marred the first half, forcing him to leave the field in tears and make way for Mohau Nkota. Morena's departure was a setback for South Africa, but the team continued to push forward.

In the 61st minute, Aubrey Modiba's strong run down the left flank created a scoring opportunity for Oswin Appollis. However, Appollis couldn't capitalize on the chance, rushing his shot and failing to connect with the ball.

That Mbatha goal!! pic.twitter.com/Ru72g1t93C

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Khuliso Mudau had a chance to score five minutes after Appollis' goal, but his rasping shot flew wide. This wasn't the first time Mudau had struggled with accuracy for Bafana, having previously missed crucial opportunities.

Sipho Mbule's shot was deflected for a corner, which Oswin Appollis took. Evidence Makgopa, standing in for the injured Lyle Foster, headed home the third goal, sealing a comfortable win for South Africa and securing their World Cup spot.

And we have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup!!!! Yeeeeeeessssssss!!!! Let that sink in!!!!!

South Africa 🇿🇦 ♥️!!!@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/d3NThOO8tc

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Rwanda's Abedi Biramahire sent a powerful long-range shot crashing into the woodwork with eight minutes remaining, but Bafana's luck held strong as the ball bounced back into play, denying Rwanda a potential lifeline.