BAFANA’S ROAD TO 2022 WORLD CUP

BAFANA Bafana’s bid to qualify for their first Fifa World Cup since 2002 (they were in the global showpiece in 2010 as the host nation) has picked up momentum after the first four matches of their qualifying campaign.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Hugo Broos’ team have captured the imagination of the nation with consecutive victories over Ghana (home) and Ethiopia (home and away).

Coupled with an opening away draw against Zimbabwe in Harare, Bafana currently top African qualifying Group G with 10 points after four games, closely followed by Ghana on nine points.

Zimbabwe and Ethiopia can no longer qualify for next year’s Fifa World Cup.

So, what must Bafana still do to get to Qatar 2022?

Bafana are in the second round of qualification. They still have two matches remaining against Zimbabwe (home) and Ghana (away) before the conclusion of Round Two.

Bafana have their destiny in their own hands, as victory over both these teams will ensure they finish top of the group.

Will that ensure qualification for Qatar 2022?

No!

Why not?

There is a third round of qualifiers to be played.

The 10 African group winners of Round Two advance to the third round, where they will play home-and-away over two legs.

Only these five winners qualify for Qatar 2022.

Bafana’s remaining fixtures

November 11 v Zimbabwe November 14 v Ghana

Bafana’s finals history

Bafana have made three previous Fifa World Cup appearances.

The national team did not progress past the first round in France in 1998 or South Korea and Japan in 2002.

South Africa also memorably hosted the tournament in 2010 – Bafana’s last appearance at the World Cup – but again failed to advance to the knockout stage.