Hugo Broos was appointed South Africa coach in 2021 after the team had not reached a World Cup for 11 years. South Africa had previously hosted the tournament in 2010 and last navigated qualification in 2002. Qualification this time required overcoming an administrative error that led to a forfeited match against Lesotho, despite a 2-0 win, because a suspended player, Teboho Mokoena, was inadvertently fielded. South Africa were docked three points and faced a tense wait as the group concluded. They ultimately finished above Nigeria by one point to top the group. The squad is largely drawn from domestic players, and the team expects the World Cup to provide valuable experience despite difficult group opponents.
"The Belgian was appointed in 2021, when South Africa had not reached a World Cup in 11 years. In 2010, of course, they were the first African country to host. The last time Bafana Bafana navigated qualification was back in 2002. This time they had to dig deep due to an administrative error that resulted in them forfeiting a match against Lesotho that they had won 2-0. They inadvertently fielded the suspended Teboho Mokoena in that game and were docked three points, meaning a nervous wait until the group concluded."
"South Africa ultimately pipped Nigeria by one point to top the group. Grouped with the co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czechia, South Africa's prospects of reaching the knockout phase for the first time appear remote, however. It will be a very good experience for our team, Broos said. It's something we need, to play against such teams. We will learn a lot and then we will see. In football anything is possible. We will fight like we have done in recent years."
"It's been an amazing journey, with a lot of good and bad moments where we had to draw strength from each other, the captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams told SABC Sport after qualifying had been clinched. Quick GuideShow 11 June v Mexico, Mexico City (1pm local, 8pm BST) 18 June v Czechia, Atlanta (noon local, 5pm BST) 24 June v South Korea, Monterrey (7pm local, 2am 25 Jun BST) Thank you for your feedback."
#south-africa-national-football-team #hugo-broos #2026-world-cup-qualification #administrative-error #ronwen-williams
Read at www.theguardian.com
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