South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, faces a pivotal clash against Benin on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as both teams vie for supremacy in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With South Africa leading the group and Benin close behind, this match could significantly shape their qualification hopes.
Group C Standings and Stakes
Bafana Bafana currently tops Group C with 10 points from five matches, two points ahead of second-placed Benin (8 points). Rwanda (7 points), Nigeria (6), Lesotho (5), and Zimbabwe (3) trail further behind. A victory for South Africa would extend their lead to five points, solidifying their position as frontrunners for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. For Benin, a win would propel them into first place, intensifying the race.
South Africa enters the match buoyed by a 2-0 victory over Lesotho on 21 March, with goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams highlighting their attacking threat. Hugo Broos’ squad is unbeaten in 2024, building on their strong Africa Cup of Nations performance earlier this year. Benin, meanwhile, drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe despite leading 2-0, exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
South Africa holds a historical edge, winning the reverse fixture 2-1 in November 2023. Their only other competitive meeting—a 2-0 win at the 2004 AFCON—further underscores Bafana’s psychological advantage.
Key Players and Tactical Outlook
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who emphasized the match’s importance, stated: “We know how vital this game is for Group C… we can open a gap”. Captain Williams’ leadership and the blend of youth (e.g., Mofokeng) and experience (e.g., Percy Tau) have been central to South Africa’s resurgence.
Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr acknowledged the stakes: “If we beat them, we will be in front”. The Cheetahs rely on striker Steve Mounie and midfielder Dodo Dokou, who scored in their previous qualifier.
A win for South Africa would not only strengthen their qualification bid but also demonstrate their ability to deliver under pressure in away fixtures. Coach Broos urged his team to replicate their Lesotho performance: “If we are well-prepared… we can also win the game there”. For Benin, a victory would mark a historic step toward their first World Cup appearance.