Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster remains optimistic about the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup despite their disappointing draw against Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. 

According to Foster, Bafana played well on Friday but was unfortunate to get bad results.

“Obviously, it wasn’t the results that we wanted, and we had hoped that we would get positive results, but it didn’t happen,” Foster said. 

“But I believe we played very well, but unfortunately, we got bad results. The mood in the camp is still very good; we know that it’s still far from over.”

Bafana Bafana’s current situation is challenging, as they sit in second place with 15 points behind the log leaders, Benin, who have 17 points. 

The 1996 African champions were the group leaders; however, they were deducted three points for fielding a suspended player, Teboho Mokoena, in their game against Lesotho in March. 

As Hugo Broos’ side prepares to face Rwanda in their final group match on Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium, Foster emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming game. 

“On Tuesday, we’re playing a very big game, and I think we’ll get the results there, and a lot of things will work for us,” he added. 

“So, I think it’s just about focusing on the next one now because the past is past, and we move forward.”

For Bafana Bafana to qualify for the World Cup, they need to win their final match against Rwanda by more than three goals and rely on Nigeria to beat Benin. 

Nigeria also has a chance to qualify if they beat Benin by more than three goals, but Bafana Bafana must also lose or play a draw against Rwanda for Nigeria to qualify.

Despite the slim chances, Foster’s confidence in Bafana’s abilities remains unwavering.