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New Delhi: South Africa bounced back from a three-point deduction in its World Cup qualifying campaign to finish first in group C on Tuesday and secure a spot in next year’s tournament with some help from Nigeria.
South Africa defeated Rwanda 3-0 in Nelspruit to finish at the top of Group C. Benin had a two-point lead going into the last round of fixtures, but tumbled from top place to third in the standings after being thrashed 4-0 by Nigeria in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive as they look 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 runner-up ahead of Benin on goal difference as both ended with 17 points.
South Africa lost three points last month after admitting it had fielded a suspended player in a qualifier match in March. But it will be forgotten now as they have booked a spot in the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Thalente Mbatha scored the opening goal in the fifth minute of the game, and Oswin Appollis netted the second goal in the 21st minute to put South Africa on the verge of qualification. Striker Evidence Makgopa scored the third goal in the 72nd minute with a header from a corner.
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane scored twice for the Group B table-toppers Senegal, with Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo also netting as they defeated Mauritania 4-0. Senegal finished with 24 points, two more than DR Congo, who beat Sudan 1-0.
Ivory Coast beat Kenya 3-0 to book a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Franck Kessie netted the opening goal in the seventh minute, and Yan Diomande added the second soon after half-time.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo completed the scoring for the Ivory Coast, topping Group F with 26 points, one more than Gabon. They will join Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia at the global showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
