'South Africa had a big advantage', says Benin coach Gernot Rohr after failed World Cup bid

South Africa secured their place at the finals, to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, in their final qualifier with a 3-0 win over Rwanda on Tuesday, as Nigeria overcame Benin 4-0.

Hugo Broos' side has been cruising towards qualification at the top of Group C before being docked three points for fielding an illegible Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.

They then saw qualification taken out of their hands with a goalless draw with Zimbabwe in their penultimate clash, and needing a win against Rwanda, coupled by a Nigeria victory.

Benin ended in third place after their heavy defeat to the Super Eagles, and reflecting on his side's campaign, Rohr said he felt that South Africa were handed an easy route to the finals.

Bafana played a number of 'away' games in South Africa as some of their opponents lacked stadiums that met CAF and FIFA standards.

"My team was ready, they made good progress, worked hard, and when you see that South Africa, from the 10 games played, seven games at home [and] only two games away in Rwanda and Nigeria. Against us, it was in the Ivory Coast," said Rohr on IOL.

"So it was a big advantage for South Africa, it's not equal."