The final match of the opening gameweek in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers will witness South Africa facing off against Benin at the Moses Mabidha Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
In what is widely considered the group of death, the hosts are expected to contend for the top spot with Nigeria, and they will have an opportunity to take an early lead after the other group matches ended in draws.
Previewing the match, South Africa comes in as the favorite with confidence, having avoided defeat in their last five matches in all competitions, winning two and drawing three. Under the new head coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana secured a spot in the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast, and they aim to make a solid start in the quest for a place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010.
Positive aspects under Broos include the integration of a young team alongside experienced players and the coach’s willingness to make bold selection decisions. During the AFCON qualification campaign, Bafana Bafana demonstrated their ability to compete with heavyweights, defeating Morocco and holding Ivory Coast to a 1-1 draw in an away match last month. However, missing key players poses a challenge, and they will rely on squad depth in this opening match.
On the other hand, Benin enters as clear underdogs with relatively average form, securing just one win in their last five matches in all competitions, along with two draws and two losses. Led by new coach Gernot Rohr, who previously guided Nigeria to the bronze medal in the 2019 AFCON tournament, Benin faces the daunting task of securing their first-ever World Cup qualification. Notable players like Steve Mounie from Ligue 1’s Brest add to the team’s strength.
The two sides met only once in the past, at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia, where South Africa emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
In terms of team news, Bafana Bafana will be without Lebo Mothiba, Thapelo Maseko, and Grant Kekana due to injuries. Elias Mokwana, Evidence Makgopa, and Thapelo Xoki are called up as replacements. Lyle Foster from Burnley has stepped away from football for mental well-being. Benin’s key player Jodel Dossou, who scored in their AFCON qualifier defeat in Mozambique, will play a crucial role in this competition. Cedric Hountondji is expected to feature in central defense alongside Rabiou Sankamao.
