Al Ahly forward Percy Tau has been included in South Africa’s preliminary squad for their concluding AFCON qualifying matches, marking his return after missing the previous two qualification rounds. The announcement, made by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, signals the Belgian coach’s renewed confidence in Tau, who last represented the national side in June during a World Cup qualifying draw against Nigeria.
Tau’s omission from the September and October camps had sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits.
Broos had previously cited personal reasons for the forward’s absence, mentioning that Tau might benefit from a move to a different club environment where he could “play with fewer issues and be happier.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion player’s potential absence from the national team appeared to be on the horizon as Broos implied that a fresh club setting could help him find his best form.
Following his return to the national squad, Tau’s presence could be pivotal for South Africa as they prepare for their final two fixtures of the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Bafana Bafana will travel to face Uganda on 11 November, before hosting South Sudan on 15 November.
With the stakes high, Tau’s experience in international and club-level competitions is expected to boost the team’s efforts to secure a place in the AFCON tournament.
Broos’s decision to bring Tau back into the fold suggests the coach sees the Al Ahly forward as a vital piece in his strategy for the remaining qualifiers.
Despite the earlier uncertainty surrounding Tau’s place in the team, Broos’s current inclusion of him reflects a focus on drawing from his skill set and experience, as South Africa faces two crucial matches in their bid for AFCON qualification.
With Tau’s return, South African supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Broos integrates the forward’s attacking prowess alongside other squad members.
Tau’s presence brings versatility to South Africa’s forward line, as his ability to play both centrally and on the wings could open up tactical options that Broos may leverage against Uganda and South Sudan.
For Tau, these qualifiers offer an opportunity to re-establish his role and prove his value on the international stage after a period of absence.
The return of one of South Africa’s most notable football talents has reignited hope among Bafana Bafana fans as the team seeks to cap off their qualifying campaign on a strong note.
Should South Africa secure victories in these final fixtures, Tau’s contribution may play a significant part in sealing their path to the upcoming AFCON tournament.
