Kaizer Chiefs left back Tsepo Masilela was the surprise selection in Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s 25-man squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania in Nouakchott on September 5.
Mashaba said he had selected a squad of form for what is essentially a must-win game.
Bafana have been put under pressure in the group having started with a 0-0 draw against Gambia in Durban. Mauritania lost 1-0 away to Cameroon in their opener.
Masilela‚ in excellent form for Chiefs last season‚ gets his first squad call-up by Mashaba.
He was called as a replacement for the squad that did duty at the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea in January‚ but Chiefs withdrew the player through injury.
“We’re not taking Mauritania lightly. The fact that they went to Cameroon and only lost 1-0 tells us a lot. We are going there to fight tooth and nail‚” Mashaba said.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Oupa Manyisa‚ a regular performer under Mashaba‚ has been overlooked.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jackson Mabokgwane‚ Itumeleng Khune‚ Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Mulomowandau Mathoho‚ Rivaldo Coetzee‚ Thulani Hlatshwayo‚ Siyabonga Nhlapo‚ Anele Ngcongca‚ Mzikayise Mashaba‚ Siyabonga Zulu‚ Tsepo Masilela
Midfielders: Dean Furman‚ Andile Jali‚ Bongani Zungu‚ Mandla Masango‚ Phumlani Ntshangase‚ Jabulani Shongwe‚ Themba Zwane‚ Mpho Makola‚ Ayanda Patosi‚ Daylon Claasen
Striker: Thulani Serero‚ Thamsanq Gabuza‚ Sibusiso Vilakazi‚ Tokelo Rantie
Mashaba selects a squad of form for must-win Mauritania match
Mashaba said he had selected a squad of form for what is essentially a must-win game.
Bafana have been put under pressure in the group having started with a 0-0 draw against Gambia in Durban. Mauritania lost 1-0 away to Cameroon in their opener.
Masilela‚ in excellent form for Chiefs last season‚ gets his first squad call-up by Mashaba.
He was called as a replacement for the squad that did duty at the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea in January‚ but Chiefs withdrew the player through injury.
“We’re not taking Mauritania lightly. The fact that they went to Cameroon and only lost 1-0 tells us a lot. We are going there to fight tooth and nail‚” Mashaba said.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Oupa Manyisa‚ a regular performer under Mashaba‚ has been overlooked.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jackson Mabokgwane‚ Itumeleng Khune‚ Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Mulomowandau Mathoho‚ Rivaldo Coetzee‚ Thulani Hlatshwayo‚ Siyabonga Nhlapo‚ Anele Ngcongca‚ Mzikayise Mashaba‚ Siyabonga Zulu‚ Tsepo Masilela
Midfielders: Dean Furman‚ Andile Jali‚ Bongani Zungu‚ Mandla Masango‚ Phumlani Ntshangase‚ Jabulani Shongwe‚ Themba Zwane‚ Mpho Makola‚ Ayanda Patosi‚ Daylon Claasen
Striker: Thulani Serero‚ Thamsanq Gabuza‚ Sibusiso Vilakazi‚ Tokelo Rantie
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