The Rainbow Nation rejoices: Bafana Bafana book ticket to 2026 FIFA World Cup

Hugo Broos and his charges had a date with destiny, knowing only a positive result will suffice in front of their home fans.

Bafana made the perfect start after just five minutes when Thalente Mbatha fired a long-range shot into the top-corner that goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari made a meal of.

The home team were now dominant and looked in the mood for more goals, and the second arrived midway through the first half when Oswin Appollis found back of the net to jubilant scenes.

Broos' team should have been out of sight by halftime, dominating possession but could not nail the final pass when it mattered most.

More nerves were eased with 20 minutes remaining though, when Appollis swung in a corner that was headed in from close-range by Evidence Makgopa.

Then it was just a matter of time before the official celebrations could commence, as news filtered through that Nigeria had comfortably seen off Benin in Uyo.

The full-time whistle brought out wild celebration from the players and coaching staff as Bafana ended the qualifying campaign one point ahead of Nigeria.

That was despite three points being deducted after fielding an eligible players in the win against Lesotho.

But those are now minor details as Broos and his team can look forward to the global showpiece that will be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada next year. 

“It feels wonderful, we all knew that we could do it, we believed in ourselves and I think you saw it from the beginning of the game that we wanted to win the game,” Broos told SABC Sport after the match.

“The only thing was what happened in Nigeria so Nigeria did what they had to do and we did what we had to do so we’re going to the World Cup fantastic."

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