Bafana Bafana face must-win clash against Rwanda to qualify for World Cup

South Africa will put everything on the line on Tuesday night as they take on Rwanda in a must-win FIFA World Cup qualifying clash.

Last week’s draw against Zimbabwe means that Bafana Bafana will need a favourable result and hope that rivals Nigeria can hold Benin if they are to qualify for the tournament.

While South Africa went into Group C as the favourites and had a good lead, three points were deducted by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player.

RELATED: South Africa lose World Cup qualifying points over ineligible player

"It is so sad, if you look at our qualifying campaign, we were literally closing and in control of that group until this administrative bumble came back to haunt us,” says Soccer Laduma editor, Vuyani Joni.

Joni said that Rwanda would put up a fight, despite having no chance at qualification.

"It is definitely not going to be easy. This is the Rwanda that beat us when we visited them in the first leg… They don’t have much to play for, but it does not mean that they will be a walkover."

Bafana Bafana are currently second in Group C, two points behind Benin, who face Nigeria at the same time.

If they hope to qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, they will need to a convincing win against Rwanda.

If Nigeria beats Benin, they will automatically qualify.

A draw or a loss will eliminate any chance of qualification.

If Benin and Nigeria draw, South Africa will need to beat Rwanda by three or more goals to qualify.

To listen to Vuyani Joni, editor at Soccer Laduma, in conversation with CapeTalk and 702’s Africa Melane, click the audio below: