Bafana Bafana were belatedly docked three points by FIFA some six months after their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, which was overturned to a 3-0 loss after they fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena despite the fact he was suspended for the game.
There has been no explanation from the national association as to how the administrative error occurred, nor why it took FIFA six months to make what looks a cut-and-dried decision.
It leaves South Africa level on 14 points with pool leaders Benin, but behind on goal-difference, though Bafana have arguably the easier run-in.
They play Zimbabwe in Durban and Rwanda in Nelspruit in what are two home games, while Benin must travel to Rwanda and Nigeria in their final two fixtures.
Broos says despite the set-back, he is supremely confident of South Africa qualifying for a first World Cup since 2002, after they earned their place in 2010 as hosts.
“There are no doubts, there have never been any doubts from my side, and I will try to transfer this to the players at a meeting we will have on Tuesday,” Broos said.
“I believe in this group and I am sure that they will do everything in their power to win that game on Friday (against Zimbabwe). Why should we doubt ourselves now after our performances in the qualifiers?
“If there is a team that deserves to go to the World Cup, it is South Africa.”
Broos was dealt an injury blow when Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng was withdrawn from the squad on Monday due to injury and replaced by Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala.
“I think if you see the games of Chiefs, Mduduzi is someone who has the action,” Broos said. “He knows where to run – for me his best position is behind the strikers. So if we use him, it will be in that position.”
Broos believes South Africa remain in a strong position, with their fate in their own hands.
“Certainly, looking at the next games, there are four teams involved. It's impossible that four teams can win their two matches. So, therefore, the game on Friday is maybe the most important. If we can win that game, we have 17 points,” he said.
“Nigeria, if they win their two games, they can only have 17 points; the same thing for Rwanda. Benin cannot win the two games because they play against Nigeria and Rwanda and then the game on Friday is so important for us to win.”
