It will be difficult to qualify for the World Cup: South Africa coach admits that the Super Eagles and Benin have an advantage

South Africa coach Hugo Broos admitted it will be difficult for his team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after the 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

The Broos team were leaders of the group until a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in March against Lesotho took Benin Republic to the top on goal difference.

Yesterday Benin beat Rwanda 1-0, giving them a two-point lead heading into the final match of the series against Nigeria in Uyo. South Africa, on the other hand, needs to beat Rwanda to be sure of advancing should Nigeria defeat Rwanda.

When explaining yesterday’s failure, the coach regretted the missed opportunities and blamed it on bad luck.

“Yes, it’s true, I think we tried everything today, we didn’t have any luck either, one moment saved in the line of the ball, another in the post, you also need a bit of luck in these games and today we didn’t have it on our side,” Broos told SABC Sport.

“We fought for it, we did everything, we tried everything, but well, you see a very motivated Zimbabwe team against us and we knew it would be difficult, but that is also football.

“It was not in our favor, at that time Zimbabwe only played 20 meters from their goal and they tried with transitions that would be dangerous and they tried several times with transitions.

“They were also dangerous, but this is something that is very difficult to accept, certainly, it is not completely lost, but it will be very difficult now,” he added.

Going into the last round of matches, the coach said that they no longer have destiny in their hands and that their fate depends on the outcome of the match between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

“Yes, this is not good, and we don’t have the result in our favor either, but what can I say? I can’t blame my team, I can’t be angry, I’m just very disappointed that we couldn’t score the goal we needed,” Broos said.

“We have to play like today again and try to win that match and see what happens. If everything goes like this, maybe Benin will lose in Nigeria and with the goal difference, I don’t have a good view of that, but we just have to go for the victory against Rwanda and see what happens.”

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman