South Africa’s Bafana Bafana Face Key Absences Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers
South Africa coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has been dealt a blow ahead of the upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as key players will miss crucial matches against Sudan and Nigeria.
Kaizer Chiefs’ first-choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will be sidelined due to a stress fracture in his foot. In his absence, Darren Keet, goalkeeper for Belgian club KV Courtrai, has been called up to guard the Bafana Bafana net.
Additionally, Mashaba will be without Lokeren midfielder Ayanda Patosi for the opening qualifier against Sudan this Friday, after the player missed his flight back to Belgium.
These absences come at a critical time as South Africa aims to secure vital points in Group A and bounce back from recent struggles on the continental stage.
