South Africa were flying high at the top of Group C before being docked three points for fielding an illegible player.
Teboho Mokoena played in the win over Lesotho in March when he was suspended for previously picking up two yellow cards.
South Africa now need six points from their final two qualifiers with Zimbabwe, and Rwanda on Tuesday, to secure their place at the finals, to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
While Bafana are in second place on Group C with 14 points, Benin top the standings on goal-difference.
Zimbabwe are, meanwhile, down in last place on the standings with four points from nine matches.
Speaking ahead of Friday's clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Bafana captain said in the Citizen: "The three point deduction wasn’t good news, but there is nothing we can do about it.
"Either way, these two games were going to be important. We've got a team that means business."
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has voiced concern over Mamelodi Sundowns' recruitment strategy, warning that the club's reliance on foreign signings is weakening Bafana Bafana.
Scottland FC captain Walter Musona has publicly insisted he is "1000% fit" after being dropped from the Zimbabwe national team's squad due to injury concerns.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has revealed his 25-man squad that is set to do battle at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month.
Orlando Pirates are asserting their growing influence on the Bafana Bafana squad, with 12 of their players named in the 54-man provisional team for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
