‘Let’s focus on winning the games’: Bafana coach Broos moves on from points fiasco

Bafana Bafana’s three-point deduction has altered the complexion of Group C, with second-placed South Africa now approaching the final two crucial matches level on points but with an inferior goal difference to grouo leaders Benin.

Fifa On Monday overturned Bafana’s 2-0 win against Lesotho for fielding ineligible Teboho Mokoena in that 2026 World Cup qualifier in Polokwane in March.

With a 3-0 win awarded to Lesotho, Bafana (who drop from 17 to 14 points and a +8 goal difference to +3) moved from the top of the group to second place behind Benin (14 points, +4 difference).

This deals a major blow to Souh Africa’s chances of appearing at the global showpiece in the US, Mexico and Canada and it now seems certain they will have to beat Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 10 and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on October 14 to qualify.

Faced with this situation, Broos said his players must not focus too much on goal difference but stick to the gameplan and aim for the wins that are likely to be the minimum requirement in their last two games.

“We don’t have to look at goal difference, we must go out there and try to win the games,” Broos said as he announced his squad at the SABC studios in Auckland Park on Thursday.

“If we win the games, goal difference will probably change for us and the opponents, so let’s focus on winning the game. If we win the match with one goal, we will take it.

“If we win the game with three goals, we will also take it.”

Broos cautioned going into the games being desperate for goals could be counterproductive to Bafana’s intentions.

“We don’t have to look for lots of goals. It can become dangerous for us because we will be too focused on scoring goals and leave space and give opportunities to the opponent.

“That will not be good and it is something we don’t have to do.”

Broos said the deducted points will not destabilise his players mentally and the situation serves as motivation to finish the qualifying programme on a high note.

“I am not afraid that it will affect the mentality of the players in the group because I know those guys and I know what they want. They all want to go to America and they will do everything in the next two games to win.

“It didn’t affect me either, except those first two hours when we received the message. It has become the motivation and I will try to deliver that message to the players.

“We have to show to those guys who don’t want us to go to the World Cup that we will qualify after the last match against Rwanda.

“That is an extra motivation for me and I will try to transfer that to the players, even though I know I don’t have to do that. I know this group will be ready for the two games.”