Burnley striker Lyle Foster is adamant South Africa can still secure automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Group C fixtures enter its final day, Afrosport reports.
Bafana Bafana took a major blow in their qualification bid following Saturday’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban, and now face stern competition from group leaders Benin Republic and third-placed Nigeria.
South Africa currently sit second in the group on 15 points, two behind Benin and one ahead of the Super Eagles. Hugo Broos’ men face Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday in a must-win clash and will be hoping for a favourable outcome in the other tie between Nigeria and Benin in Uyo to confirm their qualification.
Foster, who started South Africa’s match against Zimbabwe but failed to find the net, believes the team can still secure qualification to next summer’s World Cup.
“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted. We believed we would get a different result, but it wasn’t to be,” said Foster about their last result. “It’s how it goes sometimes, we played really well, it was just unfortunate.
“The mood in the camp is still good and we know it’s far from over. We play on Tuesday, and if we get the result there and other things work for us, we’ll qualify. It’s just about focusing on the next one, the past is the past, it is time to move forward.”
Foster also called upon their supporters to keep the faith and come out en masse to cheer them on against Rwanda.
“There is no reason to feel despondent. There is still so much to play for,” the 25-year-old added. “The support we have had has been great, we just ask for the same (in Mbombela). This is the most important (game) so we ask the supporters to come out in numbers.”
