Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed sympathy for South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, lamenting their difficult path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a major setback in their qualification campaign.

FIFA point deduction derails South Africa’s progress

Akpeyi, who is based in South Africa, said he feels for the national team’s supporters who are now “using calculators” to work out the permutations that could see the team qualify.

South Africa’s progress took a hit after FIFA deducted three points from their tally for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho during the early stages of qualification.

Since taking charge in May 2021, Belgian coach Hugo Broos has rejuvenated the team, guiding them to consistent performances and restoring hopes.

However, following a goalless draw with Zimbabwe on October 10, Broos admitted that their qualification chances had become much harder.

Akpeyi: “It’s unfortunate, but there’s still a chance”

Speaking on SuperSport, in comments monitored by ANS, Akpeyi said:

“It’s quite unfortunate that after all the hard work Bafana Bafana have put into this campaign, they’ve reached a point where they need to bring out the calculator.

“It’s unfortunate that they could lose all of this at the very end, but there’s still a chance. We never know what will happen in the final games, so we’re still giving Bafana Bafana the benefit of the doubt.”

Decisive final matches await in Group C

The Group C qualifiers will conclude on Tuesday, with South Africa hosting Rwanda in Mbombela and Nigeria facing leaders Benin Republic in Uyo.

Failure to win would end South Africa’s hopes of finishing top of the group, leaving them reliant on Nigeria defeating the Cheetahs to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.