Rabat – South Africa hosts Rwanda in Mbombela in their final Group C match of the African World Cup qualifiers
This is a must-win for South Africa. Bafana Bafana needs the three points to restore control over their qualification hopes after a points deduction. Rwanda, already out of the World Cup race, and will try to spoil the party.
Match Details
Fixture: South Africa vs Rwanda
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF), Group C
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, South Africa
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Kick-off: 5:00 pm (GMT+1)
How to Watch: beIN Sports 4 MENA, FIFA+.
South Africa Team News
South Africa will be without key striker Lyle Foster due to injury.
Their campaign was also hit by a three-point deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible against Lesotho, dropping them from first to second in the group, now sitting on 15 points behind Benin’s 17.
Coach Hugo Broos says only a win will keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Rwanda Team News
Rwanda can no longer qualify directly and sit behind South Africa in the group. They did beat South Africa 2–0 earlier in the qualifiers, establishing themselves as a threat. But their away form is poor, just two goals in four away games, and none in the last three.
What to Expect
South Africa will push from the start. They need to press, take risks, and control the ball. With Lyle Foster out, other attackers must step up. Rwanda will stay compact, defend deep, and look for chances on the counter or from set pieces.
The match may stay close until late, but Rwanda’s weak away form could make it hard to hold off South Africa.
Safe Calls
- Both Teams to Score: YES — South Africa may concede, and Rwanda may find one chance.
- Over 2.5 Goals: YES — the urgency from South Africa to win could open up spaces.
- South Africa to Win or Draw: WIN — anything less than three points likely ends their direct qualification hopes
Prediction: South Africa 2-1 Rwanda
