'Nigeria can lose against Lesotho' - Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos ahead of Zimbabwe clash

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has called on his players to remain focused on securing victory against Zimbabwe, regardless of results from other Group C fixtures involving Nigeria, Lesotho, and Benin.

Bafana Bafana currently sit second in the group, level on points with Benin and three points ahead of Nigeria, as the race for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Broos emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration and approaching each game step by step.

"We need to take it match by match. That's you think about it if Benin could lose or maybe play draw in Rwanda, so you make plans but at the end there is only one team that is important and it is us," Broos told reporters at the pre-match press conference. 

"Benin can lose and even Nigeria can lose against Lesotho but if we lose against Zimbabwe, there's a big problem then. 

"So we focus on ourselves and I didn't even thought till today until tomorrow about Rwanda."

The Belgian tactician, who has overseen steady improvement in the South African side, praised the mentality within the squad and expressed confidence that his players can secure back-to-back wins over Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

"Rwanda is next week now the focus is on Zimbabwe and that is the most important thing that we beat them. 

"I know that in this team there is such a mentality that makes me confident as a coach when you have such two very important games in front of you."

Bafana Bafana’s qualification hopes took a hit in recent weeks when FIFA deducted three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player in the victory over Lesotho in March 2025.

Broos admitted he was disappointed with the subsequent doubts about his team’s chances but urged supporters and players to stay positive.

"I was a little bit disappointed when the three points was deducted and some people started doubting that we could qualify for America," he said.

"I never understood that because we were not beaten on the pitch. But if we were beaten by Lesotho or Nigeria and they deduct three points, if then you started doubting then I understand.

"But now we played a good game against Nigeria, won against Lesotho and other games, why should we start doubting now.

"There's no reason to do that and I told it to the players this week. Don't think those opponents are now twice better than two months ago. 

"Everything stays the same, the only thing if we could have three points till now, we could have been qualified with a victory over Zimbabwe."

The 73-year-old assured that the team is fully committed and determined to fight for victory against Lesotho on Friday.

"Tomorrow we fight during the game because we want to win that game tomorrow."

South Africa must now win their remaining games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda while hoping that Benin and Nigeria drop points in their respective fixtures to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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