October 14, (THEWILL) — South Africa clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. The result confirmed Bafana Bafana’s place at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after topping Group C.
Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring just five minutes into the match, striking powerfully from distance after being set up by Oswin Appollis. The winger’s excellent performance continued when he turned provider again before the half-hour mark, assisting Evidence Makgopa for South Africa’s second goal. The hosts held a comfortable 2-0 advantage at the break.
Hugo Broos’ side maintained their intensity after the interval and added a third goal in the 72nd minute. Appollis delivered a corner-kick that Makgopa met with a header to complete the scoring. The Orlando Pirates teammates combined effectively throughout the match.
Rwanda endured a difficult qualifying campaign, finishing fifth in the group without securing a World Cup berth. The East African nation also failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Amavubi will likely schedule friendly matches during upcoming international windows.
South Africa will now turn their attention to preparation fixtures ahead of December’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Southern African side can approach the continental tournament with confidence after their successful World Cup qualifying run even after being ducked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player in their qualifier against Lesotho.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
