Africa

South Africa qualify ahead of Nigeria to 2026 World Cup after big win over Rwanda

By Emmanuel Austin Baah
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The Bafana Bafana of South Africa have officially qualified to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after delivering a big win over Rwanda in its final qualifier with a little help from Nigeria.

South Africa needed a win over Rwanda and also needed Nigeria to beat Benin to top the Group C and pick up the sole automatic qualification to next year’s World Cup

This is South Africa’s first qualification to the World Cup since the country hosted the 2010 World Cup and exited in the first round.

South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 to finish on top of Group C with 18 points in a drama filled campaign that had Hugo Broos’ side deducted three points by FIFA for fielding an unqualified player.

Two goals in the first half set South Africa on their way before Evidence Makgopa’s goal in the 72nd minute effectively sealed the win.

 

On the other hand, Nigeria finished second in the group with 17 points after scoring a 4-0 win over Benin; Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick in the win.

 

It was a disappointing result for the Cheetahs of Benin as they needed a draw or a win to qualify to the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Hugo Broos, Manager of South Africa, looks on prior to the FIFA Series 2024 Algeria match between Algeria and South Africa (Photo by Richard Pelham – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Nigeria has qualified to compete in the mini tournament for second best placed teams.

Author

  • My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

    I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

    Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

    Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

    I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

    For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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Emmanuel Austin Baah 1201 posts 1 comments

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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