South Africa will look to salvage its World Cup dreams when it takes on Botswana in the CAF World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
A few months ago it seemed that South Africa would not have a shot at the third round when it lost to Ethiopia. However, a delayed FIFA ruling stripped the Ethiopians of three points and cut their five point lead atop Group A to just two over South Africa. Now Bafana Bafana has a huge chance to win the group if the pieces fall the right way.
The team unfortunately does not have complete control over its own destiny. South Africa has eight points in five games, while Ethiopia has 10; a win from Ethiopia makes South Africa's game completely pointless. However, an Ethiopian draw coupled with a South Africa win would mean qualification for the third round for South Africa. As a result of the 3-0 loss awarded by FIFA, the Ethiopians now have a +1 goal differential instead of the +3 difference they would have had otherwise. Meanwhile, South Africa has a +4 goal differential and a victory would mean a +5 or higher differential. A draw for Ethiopia would push them to second place.
Meanwhile, Botswana is eager to get points as they could potentially win the group with a victory over South Africa and an Ethiopian loss. Botswana currently sits in third place with seven points and a +1 goal differential.
Prediction: Both teams have a lot on the line, which should make this an exciting match. The South Africans are the superior squad and will take advantage of the raucous home crowd. Expect a 2-0 win from Bafana Bafana.
Start Time: 9:30 a.m. EST
The match will not be live streamed in the USA.
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