World Cup qualifying preview: Bafana Bafana set for dramatic Rwanda showdown

South Arica head into the encounter on the back of a disappointing goalless draw against ten-man Zimbabwe last Friday, a result that means Bafana have to win and hope for a favour from Nigeria.

Hugo Broos' side has to hope Nigeria defeat top of the table Benin or at worst play to a draw that would work in South Africa's favour only if they can score more than two goals against Rwanda.

"It will be very important to see what happens in the game between Nigeria and Benin," said Broos.

"We will see what the result will be there. But on the other side, we don't really have to look. If we win the game (against Rwanda) we will then see what happens.

"And that is the most important thing. It will not be easy, certainly not. But as long as it's possible, you have to believe."

The home team will be without suspended defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi who has been replaced by Stellenbosch's Thabo Moloisane due to receiving a late red card against Zimbabwe. 

"I will do everything to once again have a team that believes on Tuesday, one that will try to win the game with as many goals as possible because (the group) may be decided on goal difference," concluded the Belgian mentor.

Meanwhile the Rwandan side have no injury or suspension concerns but will be playing for pride after losing in the final minutes of their clash at home against Group C leaders Benin on Friday.

Amavubi have also lost three of their last five World Cup qualifiers and have only managed one victory over Zimbabwe during 2025, drawing their other match this year against Lesotho.

The two teams have faced each other only once previously, with Rwanda winning 2-0 on a wet surface at the Stade Huye Stadium in November 2023.

South Africa will have to be wary of talisman Innocent Nshuti who scored in the last match between the teams and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari who has impressed in recent weeks.

The home team will hope the likes of Lyle Foster and Mohau Nkota can find some luck in front of goal on this occasion, after having seen their efforts hit the woodwork in the draw against Zimbabwe.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 18H00.