2018 World Cup qualifiers: Group D permutations

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Nov 09, 2017. 11:30

We look at who needs what to secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup ahead of this weekend’s round of matches. Today’s focus is on Group D: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa.

Group D fixtures

Friday 10 November
South Africa v Senegal - Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane - 19h30 CAT

Tuesday 14 November
Burkina Faso v Cape Verde - Stade du 4 Aout, Ouagadougou - 21h30 CAT
Senegal v South Africa - Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, Dakar - 21h30 CAT

Group A standings

Senegal (4 matches): 8 points / +4 goal difference
Burkina Faso (5): 6 / 0
Cape Verde (5): 6 / -4
South Africa (4): 4 / 0

Who needs what to qualify?

Following the annulment of South Africa’s 2-1 win over Senegal from a year ago, this group is the only one of the five which won’t be completed this weekend. However, it could be done and dusted - as far as which team qualifies, at least - as early as Friday night: if the Teranga Lions win in Polokwane against Bafana Bafana in a replay of that infamous match, then they will qualify for their second World Cup with a round to spare.

Technically all four teams can still qualify, but the irony is that bottom-placed South Africa (because they face leaders Senegal in back-to-back matches) actually have their fate in their own hands - something neither Burkina Faso nor Cape Verde can claim. However, it’s a tall order for Bafana, as they must win both games. Anything less and they are out of the running.

What’s likely to happen?

Senegal will surely get the job done - either in Polokwane on Friday night, or more likely at home in Dakar next Tuesday. In fact, a draw in each game would secure qualification, and playing conservatively while looking to hit with speed on the break is a perfect fit for the inherent physicality their team boasts.