South Africa Loses Ground as Super Eagles Gets a Big Boost in WCQ

South Africa’s World Cup dream has suffered a big blow, while the Super Eagles chances have improved ahead of the final qualifying matches.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will be without striker Lyle Foster, who pulled out of the squad on Tuesday after suffering an injury in training. 

The Burnley forward has been one of South Africa’s key players, scoring twice and providing one assist during the qualifiers. His absence is a huge setback for a team that must beat Rwanda in Mbombela to stay in the race.

Ashley Cupido from Stellenbosch FC has been called up to replace Foster, but many fans are not happy. They believe other strikers like Bradley Grobler and Tashreeq Matthews deserved the call-up instead.

South Africa’s situation is now complicated. To qualify, they must beat Rwanda and hope Nigeria defeats Benin Republic in Uyo. Anything less could end their World Cup hopes.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has been handed a big opportunity. The Super Eagles only need to beat Benin Republic and hope South Africa fails to win. Their fate now depends on both results going their way.

Benin, led by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, has the clearest route beat Nigeria and qualify for their first-ever World Cup.

Earlier, South Africa’s draw against Zimbabwe and a FIFA points deduction for fielding an ineligible player put them under pressure. Now, with their top striker out, the challenge has doubled.

Coach Broos admitted that qualification is no longer fully in their hands. The loss of Foster and the poor run of results have left fans frustrated and worried.