Bafana Bafana expect a tough game against the 140th-ranked Rwanda when the two sides meet in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The South Africans want to continue their momentum after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Benin and maintain their place at the top of Group C.
With Nigeria playing to a 1-all draw against Zimbabwe on Sunday, Bafana remain at the top of the group and victory against Rwanda will ensure they maintain their top place after two rounds of qualifiers.
Coach, Hugo Broos says while Rwanda are ranked lower than them on the FIFA rankings, results in the group have shown every game will be a tough battle for points.
Bafana Bafana have arrived safely in Butare ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Rwanda.
The team will have a single training session before their match against Rwanda, who are second from bottom in the group, after playing to a goalless draw with Zimbabwe in their first qualifier.
With Nigeria’s dismal start in the qualifiers, which saw them draw their second qualifier against Zimbabwe, Bafana are in the driving seat in Group C.
While Rwanda are ranked 76th-places lower than the 64th-ranked Bafana on the FIFA Rankings, Broos says Tuesday’s game will not be an easy one.
“I said before the game that we are in a tricky group you saw already Benin I don’t know what place they are on the rankings but you see how they are playing you see what happens with Nigeria you see with the others it will be every game will be a battle it will be fighting for a good result,”
Bafana conceded a goal in the second half of their match against Benin after going to the break leading 2-Nil. And while Broos would have wanted the team to score a third goal and not concede, he says it’s winning that matters in qualifiers and it will be the same on Tuesday.
“You know, it’s not important if you create many chances. When you win the game that’s the most important thing in qualifiers. If you have ten chances and you lose the game I think we will not be happy again it was a tough game and it will be tough games every time,” says Broos.
“We are cautious but we are still confident. We know it’s going to be difficult in Rwanda but we will give our best,” says Percy Tau, Bafana forward.
The match against Rwanda will be played at Huye Stadium in Butare and will kick off at three o’clock South African time.
Video: Bafana Bafana face Rwanda in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
