David GOMBE
South Africa sealed their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they hosted the global showpiece.
The South African secured a slot in next year’s expanded World Cup after a dramatic final day of African qualifying a night.
Bafana Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 to go top of Group C with 18 points ahead of second placed Nigeria who dented Benin’s chances thanks to a Victor Osimhen’s masterclass.
Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa scored South Africa’s three goals to overtake Benin who lost 4-0 to Nigeria on the final day of the group qualifying round.
Osimhen netted a hat-trick while Frank Onyeka got the other for the Super Eagles who sealed a playoff slot after finishing in second place behind Bafana Bafana.
South Africa will be making their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance next year and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010. Their other appearances came in France 1998 and South Korea and Japan in 2002.
Senegal’s Lions of Teranga beat Mauritania 4-0 to pip DR Congo to top spot in Group B ending the campaign on 24 points, one better than The Leopards who now qualify for the play off after they saw off Sudan.
Sadio Mane scored a brace and Illman Ndiaye while Habib Diallo scored the other goal for the 2002 quarterfinalists.
African champions Ivory Coast also clinched top spot in group F following a 3-0 win over visiting Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
Frank Kessie, Yan Diamonde and Manchester United winger Amad Diallo were the scorers for the two time continental champions who finished top of Group F with 26 points.
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa are the qualified African teams.
