Final list of Bafana players to Sudan

The South African national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, will take on Sudan in the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier’s match at Al-Merreikh stadium in Khartoum on Friday night.

The match will kick off at 19:00. Bafana’s newly appointed coach, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has announced his list of the final selected 24 players for the match. The team has travelled to Sudan without the Kaizer Chiefs captain, Itumeleng Khune. Khune suffered a foot injury. The squad’s medical team said the Chiefs ‘ goalkeeper suffred a grade 3 stress fracture in his foot and they decided to rest him for the match to prevent further aggravation. Former Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Darren Keet, who ply his trade in Belgium, was called up to replace him.

Another notable player who didn’t travel with the team was Ayanda Patosi. The talented midfielder ,who plays for the Belgian Lokeren football club, failed to catch his connecting flight from Belgium to meet with the rest of the squad before they departed earlier on Wednesday morning. Other players who were missing from the squad included Buhle Mkhwanazi, Bongi Ntuli, Ronwen Williams, Bongani Zungu, Jabulani Shongwe, George Lebese, Percy Tau and Siyanda Ngubo. Prior to the departure to Sudan, Mashaba was optimistic and stated that he was happy with the players that were available. The national team was also advised to expect high temperatures and a vociferous home crowd in Sudan. Bafana are currently ranked 69 by Fifa while Sudan are in 115 position. He is the final list of the Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers: Darren Keet, Senzo Meyiwa, Dumisani Msibi

Defenders: Anele Ngcongca, Ayabulela Magqwaka, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Erick Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Ntsikelelo Nyauza

Midfielders: Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Dean Furman, Keagan Dolly, Mandla Masango, Kamohelo Mokotjo

Forwards: Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula, David Zulu, Nhlakanipho Ntuli