Bafana kicks-off AFCON campaign
South Africa opens its African Cup of Nations account against Group C favourites and the continent’s number one ranked team, Algeria, in Equatorial Guinea tonight.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm.
Bafana coach “Shakes” Mashaba has named his starting XI for the encounter at the Estadio de Mongomo which sees Dean Furman return as skipper.
As expected, Darren Keet starts in goal and he’ll be protected by Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Rivaldo Coetzee.
In the engine room, Furman will be flanked by former Orlando Pirates teammates Oupa “Ace” Manyisa and Andile Jali in a solid midfield triumvirate.
In attack, Mashaba has opted for pace which sees Bongani “Drogba” Ndulula starting from the bench. Instead, spearheading the attack will be Tokelo Rantie who’ll be supported by Thuso Phala and Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs duo Eric Mathoho and Reneilwe Letsholonyane miss out completely because of suspension.
Bafana Bafana starting XI: Darren Keet, Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Dean Furman (C), Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thuso Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tokelo Rantie
Substitutes: Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), Ayanda Gcaba, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Themba Zwane, Mandla Masango, Bongani Zungu, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Bongani Ndulula. – @SabeloBoksburg
* In the group’s early encounter, the Black Stars of Ghana face-off against the Lions of Teranga of Senegal. Kick-off is at 6pm.
