Bafana Bafana, the South African national football team, has been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea. Head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba have been ruled out of the match due to injuries sustained during their previous game against Guinea. The pair, both players for Mamelodi Sundowns, did not train with the team since arriving in Cairo.
Modiba was forced off in the second half of the game against Guinea after picking up an injury, while Mokoena played through discomfort in the closing stages. Despite Mokoena's efforts to continue playing, Mosimane revealed that scans have confirmed that both players are injured and will not be available for the match against Eritrea. The coach expressed that it was a difficult decision to leave them out, given their significant contributions to the team's previous victory.
The absence of Mokoena and Modiba leaves Mosimane with limited options for the upcoming match. Samukele Kabini, who scored the winning goal against Guinea, could potentially move into the left-back position in Modiba's absence. In midfield, Bathusi Aubaas and Sphephelo Sithole are options to replace Mokoena, with Relebohile Mofokeng potentially operating further forward. Mosimane emphasized that the team's strategy will need to adapt to the absence of the two players.
Mosimane acknowledged that losing Mokoena and Modiba is a significant blow to the team, but he stressed that there was little choice given their injuries. He expressed his appreciation for the players' contributions to the team's previous success and noted that they will be missed in the upcoming match. Both players have remained with the squad while receiving treatment.
The availability of Mokoena and Modiba for Sunday's friendly against Egypt is also in serious doubt. Mosimane mentioned that the doctors have indicated that the chances of them making it to the next match are minimal. The coach expressed his hope that the players will recover and be available for future matches.
Bafana Bafana will face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm South African time. The team is looking to build on their winning start to the campaign, and Mosimane will need to make strategic decisions to ensure the team's success in the upcoming match.
The injuries to Mokoena and Modiba come as a significant setback for Bafana Bafana, but the team is expected to adapt and move forward. The coach and the players will need to work together to find a solution and secure a positive result in the upcoming match against Eritrea.
Key points
- Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba have been ruled out of Bafana Bafana's AFCON qualifier against Eritrea due to injuries.
- The absence of Mokoena and Modiba leaves Mosimane with limited options for the upcoming match.
- The availability of Mokoena and Modiba for Sunday's friendly against Egypt is also in serious doubt.
