South Africa will host Nigeria in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Table–toppers Nigeria actually need just one point from Saturday’s encounter inside the FNB Stadium in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, to be sure of a slot at next year’s continental houseparty, but a combination of national pride, assumed rivalry between both teams and commitment to avenging a stinging defeat by the Bafana Bafana in Uyo 17 months ago has adorned this match with a totally different garb.
On Matchday 1 of the qualifying series, South Africa won 2-0 with goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau right inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, as Coach Gernot Rohr sent out a young, inexperienced Nigerian squad. However, that slap (the first ever loss to South Africa in a competitive match) stirred the formidable spirit in the Eagles and they swept all before them to earn a 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket with a match to spare.
Pundits have tipped the Super Eagles to win the game following their three victories on the trot in the qualification for Cameroon 2019.
However, as experienced followers of international football are well aware, it pays to ever underestimate Bafana Bafana, given their penchant for performing in big games.
The South African side is also a versatile and experienced one, able to switch formations and systems with aplomb.
Many are in the limbo as regards the line up that coach Stuart Baxter plans to unleash against the Super Eagles on Saturday.
Of all the decisions that Baxter makes regarding the South African lineup, naming Itumeleng Khune as his first-choice goalkeeper should be the easiest.
The Kaizer Chiefs legend has not conceded a goal so far in the qualifiers. He has not let age be a factor, in fact, there is an argument to be made that he’s getting better with age.
Bafana Bafana fans have taken to Twitter to express their opinion on who should get the nod this Saturday.
@KNgoako
BAFANA BAFANA SHOULD LINE UP LIKE THIS 4:3:3 KHUNE, MKHIZE, HLATSWAYO, MKHWANAZI, HLANTI, KEKANA, SERERO, MABOE, LORCH, PULE, TAU OR MOTHIBA
@Themba_js
My line up for #Bafana is Khune,Mphahlela,Hlatshwayo,Mkhwanazi,Maela,kekana,pule,scerro,Tau,mothiba,Ndlovu
@KagisoLaudino
This will be the starting eleven on Saturday, Saw this at training . Khune,Mkhize,Hlatswayo,Mkhwanazi,Hlanti, Kekana, Mokoena, Lorch, Serero, Tau, Mothiba. Good line up but disadvantage is Tau is ineffective as a winger @nealcol @CKlatey @NagelJesse @bafanabafana
