South Africa v Rwanda – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bafana Bafana need to win, whilst also hoping that Benin fail to beat Nigeria. Coach Hugo Broos is without some key attacking players for the match.

Match: South Africa v Rwanda
When: Tuesday, 14 Oct 2025

South Africa Form

South Africa sits second in their World Cup qualifying group. An administrative error is costing them dearly after fielding a suspended player against Lesotho and seeing the result awarded as a 3-0 win to their opponents.

They went to Benin and won 2-0 before a wrath of CHAN and COSAFA Cup matches, which saw a shadow squad selected. With the best players available, South Africa beat Lesotho 3-0 and they played out a cagey 1-1 home draw vs Nigeria in September. On Friday, Bafana drew 0-0 against Zimbabwe in Durban, outshooting their opponents 24-6.

South Africa Team News

South Africa are without Themba Zwane, Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners in attack. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is suspended in defence after being sent off against Zimbabwe.

Thabo Maloisane is a late addition to the squad at centre back. He could start alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi. It could be an otherwise unchanged XI from that which played the last match.

South Africa Motivation

South Africa knows that a draw or loss will see them eliminated. They have to attack and try to win the match.
If Benin are drawing, Bafana Bafana will need a win by a two-goal margin. They will constantly have one eye on the other fixture, which could prove a distraction and affect their performance.

Rwanda Form

Rwanda have nothing but pride to play for in this match, as they have zero chance of World Cup qualification. Their last seven matches in all competitions have seen just one victory, but they are the only side to beat South Africa on the field in World Cup qualifying.

In June’s FIFA break, they lost twice to Algeria in two friendly matches which finished 2-0. In September’s qualifiers, Rwanda lost 1-0 away to Nigeria and beat Zimbabwe 1-0. Their last match saw a home defeat to Benin. Rwanda leaked a late goal.

Rwanda Team News

Rwanda head coach Adel Amoruche has a full strength squad to choose from. In goal, he has Kaizer Chiefs’ Fiacre Ntwari, who refused to be substituted in his first game at club level for almost a year.

Al Masry midfielder Bonheur Mugisha is a key man. Djihad Bizimana of Libyan club Al Ahli SC will form a strong partnership in breaking up South Africa’s attacks.

Rwanda Motivation

Rwanda can’t qualify, but they can ruin South Africa’s chances. They will look to leave Mbombela Stadium with a point.

Expect a defensive and direct approach from the East Africans. They won’t overcomplicate their football and will play a low block.

Key Stats

• South Africa have won 8 of their last 12 AFCON/WC Qualifiers
• South Africa have drawn 4 of their last 6 matches (excludes CHAN/COSAFA)
• Rwanda have lost 5 of their last 7 matches
• Amavubi have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 fixtures

Verdict

A tense match awaits in Mbombela. An early South Africa goal should see a win by two goals and therefore keep hope alive of making it to the USA 2026 World Cup.

Best Bet: South Africa win to zero at 1.50

Alternate Bet: South Africa win (-1 handicap) at 1.66

Correct Score Tip: South Africa 2-0 Rwanda at 3.85