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Bafana Bafana icon Doctor Khumalo willing to bet that South Africa will pip Nigeria to Group C's World Cup ticket.
Doctor Khumalo believes South Africa are capable of finishing ahead of Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series. Bafana Bafana gears up for a pivotal clash in their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially after their commendable performance at the latest AFCON.
Positioned in Group C alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and the Benin Republic, the road to the World Cup is no easy feat for any team involved. However, the spirit within the South African camp is high, fueled by the words of football icon Doctor Khumalo.
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Bafana Bafana's Rising Confidence
Khumalo, a name synonymous with South African football glory, has thrown his weight behind the national team, expressing unwavering confidence in their World Cup qualification prospects.
Despite Nigeria's formidable football pedigree, marked by six World Cup appearances and three continental titles, their stuttering start to the qualifiers has opened the door for hopefuls like South Africa.
Bafana Bafana's own journey in the qualifiers has been a mixed bag, with a win against Benin and a loss to Rwanda, but their recent performances have injected a dose of optimism into their campaign.
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A Battle of Giants on the Horizon
The semifinal clash at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and South Africa was more than just a game; it was a testament to the latter's growing bearing. Although Nigeria emerged victorious after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, South Africa's journey to a bronze medal showcased their potential and resilience.
As the two teams prepare to lock horns again in June, the stakes could not be higher, with both sides eyeing early dominance in the qualification race.
Doctor Khumalo's endorsement of Bafana Bafana's capabilities is not just a show of national pride but a reflection of the belief within the South African football community. "For them to qualify, let’s not dismantle it; it’s not yet broken, so let’s give Hugo support,” Khumalo said, per SABC, signalling his trust in coach Hugo Broos and the team.
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His bold assertion that South Africa can surmount the Nigerian challenge underscores the faith in Bafana Bafana's current trajectory.
“I would like to believe that Nigeria is in our group, but from what I have seen in Ivory Coast, I can bet all my money that SA can overcome that obstacle,” Khumalo confidently states.
With Nigeria ranked as the third-best team in Africa, just behind Morocco and Senegal, the upcoming encounter is more than a qualifier; it's a battle for supremacy on the continent.
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