Published: 15 mins ago

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has insisted that his team does not expect any favors from Zimbabwe ahead of Friday evening's World Cup Qualifiers clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Bafana Bafana enter the game desperate for a win after suffering a setback last week when FIFA deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in their match against Lesotho. The deduction dropped South Africa to second place in Group C with 13 points, tied with group leaders Benin.

"They (the Warriors) are very motivated… but also we don't expect favors from them," Broos said.
"We don't need their favors if we want to win, we want to do it correctly and we believe in it. We are confident, and what I saw in the last three days at training makes me happy."

South Africa's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup now hinge on winning their final two group games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while also monitoring results between Benin, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

During the first-round match last year, Zimbabwe lost 3-1 to South Africa, and Broos is banking on that history to motivate his squad. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe faces mounting pressure from fans, having failed to win a match this year.

Africa Group C World Cup Qualifiers 

1. Benin 14 points
2. South Africa 14points
3. Nigeria – 11 points
4. Rwanda – 11 points
5. Lesotho – 9 points
6. Zimbabwe – 4 points
- NewZimbabwe

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