Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten run has come to an end after losing to Rwanda in Butare yesterday in the second match of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

A 12th minute goal by Innocent Nshuti and 28th minute score by Gilbert Mugisha ensured Rwanda a 2-0 win and moved them to the top of Group C.

The conditions and poor defending played a role in South Africa’s 12-match unbeaten run coming to an end.

The coach, Hugo Broos, bemoaned his team's sloppy defending in the opening exchanges.

“I think we lost the game in the first 25 minutes. We were not ready for the kick-and-rush football of Rwanda,” said Broos, who played for Belgium in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

“I told the players that they have to be careful of that in the first 20/25 minutes. We gave them two presents, two goals, players were ready to go into duels. The second goal we had the ball and they took it and scored.

“After that, we changed something, we asked the boys to put more pressure and then you saw the second half, and Rwanda didn't come near the 16 metres, except for one shot and the rest they defended.”

Broos added that the pitch wasn’t up to standard and this is something that FIFA should address.

“When you see the first 20 minutes, it's unbelievable that a World Cup qualifier is played on such a pitch.

“It's impossible, but it is what it is and I think FIFA has to be stricter on the rules where you are going to play.

“We are talking about professional football. We're talking about qualifiers of the biggest tournament, and then you play on such a pitch.”

Bafana's focus now shifts to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport