Ex-Chiefs Star: ‘It’s Unfortunate If Bafana Miss WC’

A former Nigeria and Kaizer Chiefs stars says it would be unfortunate for South Africa to miss out on World Cup qualification. (Photo by Darren Stewart on Gallo Images)

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Nigeria star Daniel Akpeyi has admitted that it would be unfortunate for South Africa to miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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A few weeks ago, it looked as though Bafana Bafana were on the verge of securing World Cup qualification for the first time in 24 years, with two matches remaining. However, following recent developments, Hugo Broos’ charges now find themselves in a precarious situation.

South Africa were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during their first-leg qualifier against Lesotho in the form of Teboho Mokoena, leaving them level on points with Benin. After drawing with Zimbabwe this past weekend, their destiny is no longer in their own hands.

The 1996 African champions were held to a 0-0 draw by the Warriors at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while an 80th-minute strike from Aiyegun Tosin handed Benin a 1-0 victory over Rwanda. Those results leave Broos’ men two points behind the Cheetahs heading into the final round of fixtures.

If they are to qualify, Bafana will not only need to beat Rwanda in their final qualifier but also hope that Nigeria defeat (or draw against) Gernot Rohr’s side.

A former member of the Super Eagles, Akpeyi, expressed sympathy for South Africa, saying it would be tragic for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallists to falter after such a strong campaign.

“It’s quite unfortunate that after all the hard work Bafana Bafana have put into this campaign, they’ve reached a point where they need to bring out the calculator,” the former goalkeeper told SuperSport.

“It’s unfortunate that they could lose all of this at the very end, but there’s still a chance.

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“We never know what will happen in the final games, so we’re still giving Bafana Bafana the benefit of the doubt.”

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