South Africa wins World Cup ticket in unimaginable scenario

Excluding the 2010 hosting tournament, South Africa qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

Before the match, Benin (17 points) had a chance to win a historic World Cup ticket. The West African representative needed to beat Nigeria (14 points) away to keep the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, South Africa was in second place with 15 points and had no right to decide.

However, Benin disappointed when they were defeated 0-4 by the "Blue Eagles". Victor Osimhen shone brightly with a hat-trick, before Frank Onyeka sealed the victory.

Good news kept coming in, helping South Africa play brilliantly in the same match. The 2010 World Cup host defeated Rwanda 3-0 at home to take the top spot with 18 points and also a ticket straight to the Americas from Benin. Benin (17 points - goal difference 1) even dropped to 3rd place, behind Nigeria (17 points - goal difference 7) and no longer has any chance to participate in the biggest football festival on the planet taking place next year.

The final whistle blew and the Benin players sat motionless. They were so close to a historic victory, but then collapsed right at the gates of heaven. Meanwhile, South Africa wrote a new page in history with their first World Cup appearance in 16 years.

For Nigeria, the 4-0 victory over Benin was also significant. Osimhen and his teammates rose to 3rd place in the rankings of the second-best team, thereby keeping their hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup through the play-off series alive.