Share

Bookies predict heartbreak for Bafana

accreditation

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana have the odds literally stacked against them in their quest to qualify for next year's Soccer World Cup in Russia.

Coach Stuart Baxter's qualification task is simple: beat Senegal both home and away over the next five days and pack your bags for Russia.

Anything less than the full three points in both Friday's match in Polokwane and next Tuesday's clash in Dakar will result in Bafana watching the tournament on TV.

The Lions of Teranga currently top Group D with eight points from four matches, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde both have six from five, while South Africa prop up the standings on four from four.

Leading SA bookmakers BET.co.za have installed Senegal as 31/20 favourites for Friday's encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Bafana can be backed at 9/5 while the draw is on offer at 19/10.

Senegal, the 32nd-ranked country in the world (and third-best in Africa), in all likelihood only require a single point from either match to progress to the 2018 spectacle in Russia.

Bafana are currently ranked 74th in the world - and 16th in Africa.

Kick-off on Friday is at 19:00.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE