South Africa remains confident and believes they can still qualify for next year’s World Cup with all to play for as they head into their final qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, according to striker Lyle Foster.
Bafana Bafana's chances, however, are no longer in their own hands after they were held in a goalless stalemate by Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday, leaving them needing to beat Rwanda to stand any chance of making the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the USA next June.
A win, coupled with a Nigeria victory over Benin in Uyo would seal South Africa’s place, while a draw between Nigeria and Benin could also be enough if Bafana win by two or more goals.
Bafana hit the post twice against Zimbabwe and had a shot cleared off the line as their luck ran out on the night.
“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted. We believed we would get a different result, but it wasn’t to be,” Foster said. “It’s how it goes sometimes, we played really well, it was just unfortunate.
“The mood in the camp is still good and we know it is far from over. We play on Tuesday and if we get the result there, and other things work for us (we will qualify).
“It’s just about focusing on the next one, the past is the past, it is time to move forward.”
Foster urged supporters to back the national team see them over the line in Mbombela.
“There is no reason to feel despondent. There is still so much to play for. The support we have had has been great, we just ask for the same (in Mbombela). This is the most important (game) so we ask the supporters to come out in numbers.”
Bafana Bafana training at Mbombela Stadium. The work continues.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport @flysaa pic.twitter.com/FUqhHMtGrh
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 13, 2025
