'After all the hard work' - South Africa-based ex-Super Eagles star sympathises with Bafana Bafana

South Africa-based former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed sympathy for Bafana Bafana, saying supporters have now resorted to using calculators to determine the permutations that could see the team qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Not long ago, South Africa appeared on course for automatic qualification for next year's tournament in North America, but their campaign suffered a major setback after Fifa deducted three points from their tally.

The punishment came after midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded despite being ineligible to play against Lesotho in the early stages of the qualifiers.

Since taking charge in May 2021, Belgian coach Hugo Broos has rejuvenated the South African national team, guiding them to consistent performances and restoring belief among fans.

However, following their goalless draw with Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10, Broos admitted that qualifying for the World Cup had become a little tougher.

Reflecting on the situation, Akpeyi said during a SuperSport programme monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.: "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.

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

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

The Group C qualifiers will conclude on Tuesday, with Bafana Bafana hosting Rwanda in Mbombela, while Nigeria face table-toppers Benin in Uyo.

Failure to secure a win would end South Africa's hopes of topping the group, and they are still relying on Nigeria to defeat the Cheetahs to keep their qualification dream alive.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: safa.net

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