South Africa Vs Rwanda: Match Preview, Head-Head, Line Ups, Team News, Prediction

South Africa Vs Rwanda: Match Preview, Head-Head, Line Ups, Team News, Prediction 

By Admin 

South Africa head into their final Group C match of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with everything to play for as they face Rwanda on Tuesday, October 14, at Mbombela Stadium, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Victory is non-negotiable for Hugo Broos’s men, who remain in contention for a place in next year’s global showpiece across North America but they will need help from elsewhere in the group.

Group C Stakes: The Road to North America

Bafana Bafana currently sit second in the group, trailing leaders Benin after a dramatic twist earlier in the campaign. A FIFA ruling recently stripped South Africa of three crucial points and handed them a 3-0 forfeit loss due to fielding an ineligible player, altering not just their points tally but their goal difference once their strongest asset in the standings.

Even with that setback, qualification remains within reach. South Africa must beat Rwanda, and hope that Nigeria defeat Benin. If Nigeria and Benin draw, then Bafana must win by at least two goals to progress on goal difference.

Recent Form and Zimbabwe Frustration

South Africa were left ruing missed chances in their previous outing a goalless draw against Zimbabwe at the same venue on Friday. Despite dominating possession and striking the woodwork twice, they failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage after Knowledge Musona's 63rd-minute red card. Criticism followed coach Hugo Broos for withdrawing Mohau Nkota, one of the team’s brightest performers, and opting for a more conservative approach late on.

Meanwhile, Rwanda's hopes of qualifying are over after a 1-0 home defeat to Benin last Friday. They now enter this match playing for pride, but with motivation to upset South Africa’s ambitions and end their campaign on a high.

Team News: Key Absences and Potential Inclusions

South Africa will be without young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, suspended after a late red card against Zimbabwe. Samukelo Kabini is likely to slot in alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi in central defence.

Lyle Foster, who came close on several occasions against Zimbabwe, will lead the line again, supported by wingers Oswin Appollis and Mohau Nkota, both of whom were lively in the last fixture but lacked end product.

For Rwanda, head coach Adel Amrouche has a full squad available, with no reported injuries or suspensions. He may look to hand a debut to 31-year-old forward Joy-Lance Mickels, who received his first call-up this month. Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who plies his trade with Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Premier Soccer League, will be familiar with many of the opposition players.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

Rwanda won the reverse fixture between the two sides, and with just one win in their last five games, the Wasps will look to end their qualifying campaign on a positive note. However, South Africa’s home advantage and urgency may tilt the balance in their favour.

Predicted Lineups

South Africa (4-2-3-1):

Williams; Mudau, Kabini, Sibisi, Modiba; Mokoena, Aubaas; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster

Rwanda (4-1-4-1):

Ntwari; Kavita, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; B. Mugisha; G. Mugisha, Muhire, Bizimana, Mickels; Nshuti

Prediction: South Africa 1-0 Rwanda

South Africa are favourites to take all three points at home. Rwanda’s struggles on the road scoring only twice in four away matches and failing to find the net in their last three could make the difference. Bafana Bafana may just edge a narrow win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.