On Tuesday night, South Africa delivered a magical display of dominant football to thump Rwanda 3–0 at the Mbombela Stadium in a must-win qualifier – ensuring they will compete in the global showpiece for the first time since 2010. The last time South Africa qualified for a World Cup was for the 2002 edition in Japan and South Korea. 

In 2010, as hosts, they automatically qualified.

Here is that beauty from Appollis!!

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

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Meanwhile, in Uyo, Nigeria’s Super Eagles hammered the then Group C leaders, Benin, 4–0, thanks to a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a stoppage-time goal by Frank Onyeka.

Back in Nelspruit, Bafana wasted no time in applying pressure on Rwanda. Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute, instantly easing the tension for the hosts. That confidence was evident in the way South Africa controlled possession and dictated play.

Bafana created a flurry of chances in front of goal but only managed to double their lead in the 26th minute when Oswin Appollis produced a marvellous strike to make it 2–0. The players went into the half-time break in full control.

It's a celebration in Mbombela!!!! Siyaya!!!! South Africa ???? ?? @flysaa @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/g5fQjsSG5g

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

The trend continued after the break, though the team adopted a slightly more conservative approach to protect their valuable lead – knowing nothing was guaranteed just yet.

In the 72nd minute, as Nigeria were already 3–0 up against Les Guépards, Bafana sealed the deal when Evidence Makgopa powered home a header from a pinpoint Appollis corner to make it 3–0. The crowd in the Lowveld erupted – they knew they were witnessing something historic. 

South Africa were on their way to the World Cup, and this time, not even a miracle could deny them. Bafana held firm, maintaining both their lead and goal difference to top Group C and book their tickets to North America.

Following the win, coach Hugo Broos humbly deflected praise, insisting the success belongs to his players and support staff after three years of relentless work.

“This is a fantastic evening for everyone,” said Broos, who will now return to the World Cup, this time as a coach. “It’s not just about me – I’m part of a team that has worked hard for the last three years to achieve these performances and special moments. 

“Without my staff, especially Helman Mkhalele, and the medical, kit, security, and team management staff, we wouldn’t be here. We’re a group of people with one goal: to perform well and to win.”

Makgopa!!!! He makes no mistake!!

Visuals Courtesy of @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/xsOp3Evql3

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Broos added that, beyond qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in more than two decades, the team has also won back the hearts and minds of South African supporters, transforming Bafana Bafana from a “joke” into a source of national pride. “People used to laugh at Bafana Bafana – we were a joke,” he admitted.

“But now we’re competing at a high level, and everyone respects us. That’s not just my work; it’s the result of commitment and belief from the whole team and the entire nation.

I hope South Africans now see football differently and judge players differently. Our players deserve to play in higher competitions – they need that experience. If we can take that step, South African football will be even stronger.”

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

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025

Broos, who represented Belgium at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, confirmed that the 2026 tournament will be his swansong before retiring to spend more time with his family. “Personally, after the World Cup next year, I plan to retire and spend time with my family – but first, there is still work to do,” he said.

“There’s a sentimental reason too – I was at a World Cup at the end of my playing career, and now I’ll finish my coaching career at another one. It feels like the right moment. After the World Cup, I’ll go home, enjoy time with my children and grandchildren, and make the most of the next 20 years. But first, we still have work to do – and I’ll do it well.”

Bafana Bafana are expected to arrive in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning before the players rejoin their respective clubs. Their next assignment ahead of the World Cup is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco in December.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh