Overview

• South Africa were held 0-0 by 10-man Zimbabwe in Durban despite dominating and hitting the woodwork, leaving automatic qualification out of their control.
• Benin lead Group C on 17 points with South Africa on 15 and Nigeria close behind after wins for Benin and Nigeria on Friday.
• South Africa must defeat Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday and need Nigeria to take points off Benin, with goal difference potentially a tiebreaker.
• FIFA’s three-point deduction for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena, which awarded Lesotho a 3-0 forfeit, reshaped the group and raised scrutiny of SAFA.
• Coach Hugo Broos urged calm and belief after the setback, captain Ronwen Williams voiced optimism, and analysts warn failure to qualify could cost SAFA about R200 million in lost revenue.