South Africa qualify for World Cup despite points deduction
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South Africa's Evidence Makgopa celebrates scoring their third goal with Khulumani Ndamane.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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CAPE TOWN - South Africa overcame the embarrassment of a three-point deduction in their World Cup qualifying campaign to finish top of their group on Oct 14 and reach next year’s finals, although they had Nigeria partially to thank for the progress.
South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 in Nelspruit to finish first in Group C as Benin, who had a two-point lead going into the final round of fixtures, tumbled from top place to third in the standings as they lost 4-0 against Nigeria in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat-trick to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive as they seek to advance to a playoff next month for the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups.
South Africa finished on 18 points, with Nigeria runners-up ahead of Benin on goal difference as both ended with 17 points. The 2026 finals take place in the US, Canada and Mexico. REUTERS
