Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Qualification Bid

8 October 2025 |

It’s been a roller coaster of emotions following the administrative error of fielding Teboho Mokoena in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Lesotho last week. Teboho received two yellow cards which meant he was suspended.

This was somehow overlooked by the team’s administration that still put Teboho on the field to play the match. FIFA’s reaction was swift, penalising Bafana Bafana who won the match by stripping them of the points and awarding the match to Lesotho. This places Bafana Bafana who was ahead on the log behind Benin with only the goal difference separating the two teams. Can Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Qualification be saved? With hard work and focus we think they can do it!

Bafana Bafana’s Chances of Qualifying

The US, Canada and Mexico will be the host of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. 16 cities across the three countries will host the tournament. Mexico will play the first match at the Azteca Stadium on the 11th of June. FIFA has increased the number of teams participating in the tournament with an extra 16 teams up from 32 to 48. This is the first time that 9 countries will be representing Africa in a World Cup.

Bafana Bafana drew Group C alongside Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualification. They have been dominating Group C. Losing only one match against Rwanda and drawing one game with Nigeria. Lesotho received 3 points from Thursday’s match. The match counts as a loss on the scoreboard for Bafana Bafana because officials fielded a suspended player. This has negatively affected Bafana Bafana betting odds and could be a good time to place a bet on them.

Upcoming World Cup Qualifier Matches

There are two matches remaining in the Bafana Bafana fixtures October 2025 and they can still a secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They face Zimbabwe on Friday the 10th of October in a must win match. Fans will see the match as an away game, even though it takes place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This is due to not being able to find a suitable venue in Zimbabwe.

Millions of South Africans will watch the match with bated breath when it kicks off at 18:00. Bafana Bafana needs to find the net a few times to push their goal difference on the log. They hope Rwanda will beat Benin in the match scheduled for the same time.

Last FIFA Qualifier Match for Bafana bafana

If all goes well and SA beats Zimbabwe and if Rwanda beats Benin then Bafana Bafana will be in a good place for their last match of the FIFA Qualifiers. They will be facing Rwanda in their last qualifying match. The last time the two teams met was in the second qualifying match where Rwanda beat Bafana Bafana by scoring two goals to nil.

The match will be played at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday the 14th of October. The match kicks off at 18:00. Benin’s last match is not an easy one as they head to Nigeria to play against the Flying Eagles. The last time the two teams met was in AFCON group stage where the match ended in a draw.

Having a look at what odds our preferred betting sites offer on South Africa football betting suggests that punters and fellow South Africans believe that we will gain a spot in the next World Cup.

Bafana Megaways Slot

If Soccer is your sport love, you will enjoy this slot exclusively by 10bet for their fans! It celebrates passion, pride and the power of Bafana Bafana. Powered by Megaways™, the slot offers up to 117,649 ways to win – which is MEGA! With bonus feautures such as Free pins, Cascading reels and multipliers and wilds, this bafana Megaways slot is definitely worth exploring.

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When it comes to soccer betting in South Africa, especially during Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Qualifier matches, punters love to mix strategy, excitement, and passion for the game. Whether you’re backing South Africa to win at home or predicting who’ll score the first goal, there’s a wide range of betting markets to keep the action alive. Here are some of the most popular and common soccer bets among local fans:

1. Match Result (1X2)

This is the classic and most straightforward bet.

  • 1 – Back the home team (Bafana Bafana) to win.
  • X – Predict a draw.
  • 2 – Back the away team to win.
    It’s simple, thrilling, and perfect for every World Cup Qualifier fixture.

2. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

With Bafana’s attacking form improving and their opponents always bringing their best game, BTTS bets are extremely popular. You simply predict whether both teams will find the net during the match.

3. Over/Under Goals

This bet focuses on the total number of goals scored in a match. For example, betting on “Over 2.5” means you’re predicting three or more goals in the game. It’s a great option for fans expecting high-scoring thrillers in the qualifiers.

4. Correct Score

Want to take a risk for a bigger reward? Try the Correct Score bet. Predicting the exact final score, like Bafana Bafana 2-1 Namibia, can deliver impressive payouts if you get it spot-on.

5. First Goalscorer / Anytime Goalscorer

Perfect for fans who follow the team closely. You can back a player such as Percy Tau or Lyle Foster to score first or at any point in the match. It’s one of the most exciting markets when watching the game live.

6. Half-Time / Full-Time Result

This bet predicts who will be leading at half-time and who will win by full-time. For instance, you might back Bafana to be drawing at half-time but to win by full-time. It adds extra suspense throughout both halves.

7. Double Chance

Ideal for those who prefer a safer approach. You can cover two possible outcomes in one bet. For example, Bafana Bafana to Win or Draw (1X). It reduces risk while keeping the thrill intact.

8. Handicap Betting

Handicap bets level the playing field when there’s a strong favourite or underdog. For instance, betting on Bafana -1 means they must win by at least two goals for your bet to land. It’s a popular choice in one-sided World Cup Qualifier matchups.

9. Outright Tournament Bets

Beyond individual matches, South Africans also love outright bets, such as predicting Bafana Bafana to qualify for the World Cup, top their group, or reach the knockout stages. These long-term bets add extra excitement as the qualification campaign unfolds.

10. Accumulator (Multi) Bets

For punters chasing big returns, accas are the go-to option. Combine multiple bets, like several World Cup Qualifier results, into one slip. All selections must win, but the potential payout is massive.

Betting on Bafana Bafana: Passion Meets Possibility

With South Africa pushing hard for World Cup qualification, fans are betting with both heart and strategy on Bafana Bafana. Whether you’re predicting a high-scoring home win at FNB Stadium or trusting Bafana to hold firm away, these betting markets make every matchday a chance to celebrate and win big.

Other Soccer Best Betting Sites

Soccer support and betting is massive in SA, therefore it is no surprise that there are many online betting sites to choose from. It is just finding the one that works for you. Most bookies offer season or tournament specific promos, so keep those eyes open. Here are our recommendations for Soccer Betting, also give MBET and Easybet a look to see what is on offer:

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