South Africa 3-0 Rwanda: Bafana Bafana cruise towards World Cup qualification

South Africa are just minutes away from sealing their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup after a dominant 3–0 lead over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Thalente Mbatha set the tone early on, firing South Africa ahead with a composed finish that sent the home crowd into raptures. The momentum didn’t stop there, Iqraam Rayners Appollis doubled the advantage with a brilliant strike that left Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, rooted to the spot.

The second half saw South Africa pile on more pressure, creating a string of chances that kept the visitors pegged back. Makgopa and Nkota went close, while Mudau’s curling effort narrowly missed the post. Appollis continued to torment the Rwandan defense down the left flank, drawing fouls and setting up wave after wave of attacks.

Their dominance finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Evidence Makgopa rose highest to meet Appollis’ perfectly placed corner, heading home from close range to make it 3–0 and all but seal South Africa’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup.