Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged his team to stay focused and avoid complacency after their crucial 2-0 win over Benin in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifieron Tuesday. The victory at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan saw South Africa strengthen their grip on Group C, moving five points clear of second-placed Rwanda.
South Africa’s Commanding Win Over Benin
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 12: South Africa coach Hugo Broos speaks with Bongokuhle Hlongwane of South Africa during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Qualifier between South Africa and Ethiopia at FNB Stadium on October 12, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu – Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Goals from Lyle Foster (53′) and Jayden Adams (84′) ensured Bafana Bafana claimed a third consecutive victory in the qualifiers, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
However, Hugo Broos quickly shifted the focus to maintaining discipline in the upcoming matches, warning his squad against complacency and careless mistakes.
“We have to be confident and not be afraid of anybody that plays against us. The only thing we can do is to continue working hard like we’ve been doing,” said Broos.
“We must not think that everything is already done. We’re already in a good position, but I think with the group that we’re in, if we don’t do stupid things, we are very close to qualification.”
ALGIERS, ALGERIA – MARCH 26: Hugo Broos South Africa International Football Coach during the national Anthem before the FIFA Series 2024 Algeria match between Algeria and South Africa at Nelson Mandela Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Algiers, Algeria. (Photo by Richard Pelham – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) (Photo by Richard Pelham – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Potential Points Deduction for South Africa
Despite the victory, South Africa’s qualification hopes could take a hit after it was revealed that Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play in their previous 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which should have resulted in a one-match suspension. However, Mokoena played 82 minutes in the match against Lesotho, putting Bafana Bafana at risk of a points deduction if FIFA rules against them.
Group C Standings After Matchday Six
ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST – FEBRUARY 10: South Africa Coach Hugo Broos is thrown in the air by his players after winning the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 3rd place match between South Africa and DR Congo at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on February 10, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
South Africa – 13 points
Rwanda – 8 points
Benin – 8 points
Nigeria – 7 points
Lesotho – 6 points
Zimbabwe – 4 points
If South Africa loses points due to Mokoena’s ineligibility, their advantage over Rwanda, Benin, and Nigeria could shrink, making the final four qualifiers even more critical.
Broos’ Message to His Squad
South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos gestures instructions to his players from the touchline during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 round of 16 football match between Morocco and South Africa at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on January 30, 2024. (Photo by SIA KAMBOU / AFP) (Photo by SIA KAMBOU/AFP via Getty Images)
Hugo Broos’ warning comes as Bafana Bafana prepares for their remaining four fixtures, where they will need to stay disciplined and focused to secure their place at the global showpiece.
With their next matches in September, South Africa will be aiming to continue their winning momentum and ensure no further setbacks—both on and off the pitch.
Will Bafana Bafana secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Or will off-field issues derail their campaign? The next few months will be crucial for South African football.
