South Africa were unable to conduct their captain’s run at the stadium on Monday, and it did not sit well with the team. However, despite this setback, they remain quietly confident of securing a positive result as they aim to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Last week, South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0 in Polokwane, boosting their confidence and momentum ahead of the match in the Ivorian city. Meanwhile, Benin played to a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

South Africa currently sits at the top of Group C, while Benin are in second place at the halfway stage. Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali has also worked in both teams’ favour.

While Bafana Bafana fondly reflects on their successful 2024 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ivory Coast, they acknowledge that this will be a completely different challenge, and only their very best will suffice.

Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams said that while the team has good momentum and confidence, they will have to work hard for three points in what promises to be a tricky fixture.

Thapelo Morena. Photo: Bafana Bafana

“It’s going to be a tough one – Benin are a very good team, but we believe in our qualities,” said Williams. “We believe in what we’ve been building over the last year, so we’re looking forward to the game.

“It’s going to be a tough match with a lot of challenges, but I think this team is strong enough to overcome them. We’re excited and looking forward to it.”

Ballon d’Or nominee Williams added that the team understands the magnitude of the game and their goal is to extend their lead at the top of Group C, especially with challenging fixtures ahead, such as the home qualifier against Nigeria (which is expected to be played in Bloemfontein).

Oswin Appollis and Khuliso Mudau. Photo: Bafana Bafana

“We know how important and vital this game is for the group. We know that we can open up a gap, but we also know that the gap can be closed. This is a massive game in these qualifying rounds.

“It’s the halfway mark now, and by Tuesday, we’ll have a clearer idea of who the favourites are in the group. We want to be there, and we want to stay on top of the group.”

Tuesday night’s qualifier between Benin and South Africa at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan will kick off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg