29/09/2025
South Africa points deduction, explained: What FIFA punishment over ineligible player means for Bafana Bafana in World Cup qualifying
South Africa's six-match unbeaten run in Group C of CAF World Cup qualifying had them in a strong position to reach the finals in North America next year. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Bloemfontein in September left Hugo Broos's side top of the standings, three points ahead of closest challengers Benin. Only the top team of each of the nine CAF groups is guaranteed progress to the finals, with the four best runners-up to contest a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs. But a controversial error...
