From Crisis to Comeback: The Story of This Nation's World Cup Return is Incredible
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From Crisis to Comeback: The Story of This Nation's World Cup Return is Incredible

From Crisis to Comeback: The Story of This Nation's World Cup Return is Incredible

Tuesday night marked a turning point in African football. The CAF World Cup Qualifiers came to a dramatic close in Group C, delivering one of the most gripping finales in recent memory. At the summit of the group - South Africa.

After years of heartbreak and rebuilding, Bafana Bafana have done it. Booking their tickets to USA 2026, this will be the first time the side have featured in the World Cup since 2010, when they proudly hosted the tournament. It will be only their fourth time on football's biggest stage, and perhaps their most hard-earned yet.

Before 2010, South Africa's last qualification on merit came all the way back in 2002. Since then, the nation's footballing fortunes have wavered. Weighed down by controversy, mismanagement, and moments of crushing disappointment, for years the promise of South African football has flickered as opposed to flamed.

Yet something feels different this time. Against all odds, through years of revamping, Bafana Bafana have regained their identity and earned their way back into the global spotlight. Their qualification is way more than an achievement, it is the dawn of a new era.

Today, we will be retracing the remarkable road to redemption, the turbulent history, the defining moments, and the spark that might just ignite South Africa's footballing renaissance.

The Glory Days

To understand South Africa's resurgence, we must first revisit where it all began. The glory, the heartbreak, and the journey that shaped Bafana Bafana into what they are today.

A heavyweight in African footballing history, South Africa have won the AFCON once, back in 1996. In a time of rejoice for the country, Bafana Bafana hosted the tournament and lifted the trophy, defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. This team was littered with talent. Captained by Neil Tovey, former Kaizer Chiefs legend, the side also included the likes of Doctor Khumalo, Mark Williams, Shaun Bartlett and Lucas Radebe.

In what was perhaps the greatest era of South African football, this group of players would go on to qualify for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups respectably.

One of the most recognisable players for Bafana Bafana was Lucas Radebe, who played for Leeds United.

Lucas "The Chief" Radebe captained South Africa in both World Cup campaigns. Furthermore, the South African held the armband at Leeds United for several years. Playing alongside a young Rio Ferdinand, the pair formed a formidable duo at Elland Road, one that is still spoken about today.

The 2010 World Cup is one that is etched in history, and not just for Spain's brilliance. In what was the first World Cup tournament to ever be hosted on African soil, Bafana Bafana proudly played the opening game against Mexico. The stage was set at Soccer City in Johannesburg, the fans electric, and the country united.

After 55 minutes, South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabala broke down the left-hand side and unleashed a blistering strike into the top corner, sending the country and the world into a frenzy. In what is widely regarded as one of the most iconic World Cup goals ever, this moment will always be remembered by football fanatics, and is a piece of history in South African folklore. South Africa went out in the group stage despite beating France, but make no mistake, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will forever be remembered as one of the best.

The 2000s was a golden era for South African talent breaking into Europe. Benni McCarthy was a prolific striker who carved out a stellar career across Europe and the Premier League. In 2004, McCarthy made history as he became the first South African to lift the UEFA Champions League, triumphing with Jose Mourinho's Porto. That campaign is one of footballing legend, and is one to remember for McCarthy who scored a brace against Man United to secure a 2-1 victory. Fittingly, the Red Devil's lone goal came from another South African forward, Quinton Fortune.

To this day, McCarthy remains Bafana Bafana's all-time leading goalscorer, a true icon of South African football.

The Aftermath of Success: The Nation's Slump

As the years rolled on, the glow of South African football began to fade. Bafana Bafana, once a symbol of pride and promise, struggled to rekindle the magic that had once electrified a nation. The country failed to qualify for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions of the FIFA World Cup, a painful reminder of how far they had fallen from the heights of the past.

Their struggles weren't confined to the global stage either. In Africa, where South Africa were once a powerhouse, their prowess began to crumble. Performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) grew increasingly uninspiring, and eventually led to outright embarrasment. In 2017, the unthinkable happened, and Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the AFCON altogether, this was a staggering new low for one of the continent's most passionate footballing nations.

By 2021, the decline had reached breaking point. Under manager Molefi Ntseki, South Africa once again missed out on AFCON qualification, their second failure in just four years. As the continent's best battled for glory, South Africans could only watch from home. For many fans it was not just the missing of the tournament that hurt them, but it was the fact the heart of the nation's football had stopped beating, which pained millions.

The Redemption

Following the sacking of Molefi Ntseki, South Africa appointed Belgian manager Hugo Broos. An experienced manager, Broos led Cameroon to AFCON glory back in 2017, thus proving an intelligent appointment for South Africa who were desperate to regain an identity.

Under Hugo Broos, South Africa boasted a new-look squad, with the manager opting not to favour a lot of players who had previously represented the country. Broos reinvigorated the side, and they qualified for the 2023 AFCON with ease.

Riding a rebirthed wave of confidence, South Africa entered AFCON as a united, rejuvenated side. After finishing second in their group, they face Morocco in the Round of 16, a team fresh off a World Cup semi-final run. Most expected Bafana Bafana to crumble. Instead, they stunned the continent.

South Africa outclassed the highest ranked team in the tournament with a 2-0 victory, a statement win that reignited belief across the nation. In the quarter-finals, they met Cape Verde in a tense, goalless clash that went to penalties. This produced one of the most unforgettable moments in AFCON and football history.

Captain Ronwen Williams delivered a heroic performance, saving four out of five spot kicks to send South Africa into their first AFCON semi-final since 2000. Though they narrowly fell to Nigeria in the next round, Bafana Bafana secured third place in the tournament, marking their best AFCON finish in two decades, and signalling that South African football was truly back on the rise.

Furthermore, Ronwen Williams' heroics would see him be nominated for the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year. Williams sat amongst the likes of Emi Martinez, Thibaut Courtois, and Gianluigi Donnarumma as one of the world's best goalkeepers in 2024.

Glory Through the Storm: World Cup Qualification

Fast becoming a strong force in African football once again, Bafana Bafana set their sights on the World Cup in 2026. They were placed in a group with giants Nigeria, and despite late pressure from Benin, they were able to finish top of the group and gain automatic qualification to the tournament.

However, their qualification was not all smooth sailing, and it did not come without controversy. In early 2025, South Africa fielded a suspended player in their game against Lesotho. The side won the game comfortably, but as they breached FIFA rules, they were deducted 3 points. Slipping into dangerous territory, South Africa had to win their last 2 games. A draw to Zimbabwe in their penultimate qualifier made things more difficult.

South Africa now needed to defeat Rwanda, and rely on Nigeria to beat Benin.

Benin put forward a strong fight in the group, nearly doing the unthinkable, but they were unable to withstand the power of Victor Osimhen who put 3 past the Cheetahs.

South Africa comfortably breezed past Rwanda, sending them top of the group and putting them back in the big time.

What Next for Bafana?

Hugo Broos has etched his name into South African football history. The veteran coach has transformed a struggling side into a force reborn. With the nation on their back, South Africa are now a team that believes again, fights again, and dares to dream again.

With another AFCON tournament on the horizon this December, South Africa are no longer just participants, they are contenders, ready to shake the continent once more.

Beyond the AFCON lies the ultimate stage - the FIFA World Cup. As the nation's fans crash ticketing sites worldwide in a frenzy of pride and anticipation, one thing is certain, the whole world will be watching.

Bafana Bafana, back on the biggest stage, so dust off that old Vuvuzela.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Arthur Turner

EFL Transfer and News Writer

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