South Africa aim to return to the top of Group C in the CAF World Cup qualifiers when they face Zimbabwe – a match that’s officially “away”, but is being played in Durban.
Match Details:
-
- Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifications
- Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
- Date: Friday, October 10
- Kick-Off: 18:00 local time (17:00 Morocco time)
- How to Watch: SuperSport, Canal+ Afrique, L’Équipe
View this post on Instagram
What’s at Stake
- For South Africa: a must-win to stay in control of World Cup qualification.
- For Zimbabwe: pride, and a chance to spoil a neighbour’s party.
The Situation
- South Africa were cruising in qualifying before being docked three points for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
- That punishment dropped them level with Benin on 14 points, behind on goal difference.
- The group winner automatically qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up head into a playoff.
- With Rwanda up next, Hugo Broos’s men must win to regain control of their group.
View this post on Instagram
Team News – South Africa
-
- Kamogelo Sebelebele and Bradley Grobler miss out despite strong domestic form.
- Sipho Mbule makes the cut ahead of Patrick Maswanganyi and could play behind the striker.
- Khuliso Mudau returns at right-back after resolving issues with Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole is back from injury and may start in midfield.
- Relebohile Mofokeng is injured, replaced by Mduduzi Shabalala.
- Iqraam Rayners withdrew due to a medical issue — Evidence Makgopa steps in.
- Lyle Foster expected to lead the line after solid form in England.
- Possible XI: Williams – Mudau, Modiba, Mbokazi, Kabini – Mokoena, Aubaas – Nkota, Mbule, Appollis – Foster
View this post on Instagram
Team News – Zimbabwe
- The Warriors have gone eight qualifiers without a win, sitting bottom of Group C.
- Michael Nees’s side have lost their last two games 1–0 and look short on confidence.
- Disruption off the pitch too — assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi resigned after a disciplinary incident.
- Despite Khama Billiat returning, goals remain a serious problem.
- Key men include Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musona, and Tawanda Chirewa, who may spearhead the attack.
- Possible XI: Arubi – Jalai, Garananga, Takwara, Zemura – Munetsi, Nakamba, Musona – Maswanhise, Chirewa, Ngwenya
Safest Calls
- South Africa to win: home advantage (technically).
- BTTS: No, Zimbabwe rarely score.
- Under 2.5: Expect a tight game.
- Prediction: Zimbabwe 0-2 South Africa.
