South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has conceded that his team now needs “a miracle” to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their goalless draw with Zimbabwe on Friday night.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana in second place in Group C, two points behind leaders Benin Republic and just one point ahead of Nigeria, who revived their qualification hopes with a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane.
Speaking to reporters after the disappointing result, Broos admitted that his team’s fate is no longer entirely in their control.
“Now, it’s no longer in our hands,” Broos said.
“It becomes even more difficult now. But it’s not 100 per cent lost; we might also need a miracle.
“It’s a sad night for us.”
South Africa were also deducted three points and three goals by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena) against Lesotho in March