AI models predict a decidedly low chance for Bafana Bafana to progress to the World Cup knockout stages, requiring a win or draw against South Korea and a Czechia loss to Mexico. Picture: LARS BARON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
There will be plenty of calculators out and frantic Googling around 5am on Thursday if Bafana Bafana fail to finish in the top two of Group A of the FIFA World Cup. South African fans have good reason to be nervous — even AI is not particularly confident about their chances.
Bafana remain bottom of Group A with a goal difference of minus two. They are level on points with Czechia, who have a superior goal difference of minus one. South Korea sit second on three points, while Mexico top the group on six points.
All that remains for Bafana is a final group-stage clash against South Korea.
At the very least, Bafana need a draw. That would move them onto two points and above Czechia if the Europeans lose to Mexico.
