Bafana Bafana dealt with major blow ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Bafana Bafana have suffered a major setback as midfielder Lebohang Maboe has been withdrawn from camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The 32-year-old midfield dynamo has been ruled out due to an ankle injury he sustained while playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Golden Arrows in the league over the weekend.

While Maboe reported for camp on Sunday night hopeful of passing a late fitness test, scans conducted by national team doctor Tshepo Molobi deemed him unfit.

“He twisted his ankle while playing for Kaizer Chiefs and after undergoing a scan, he will be ruled out from the current camp and this FIFA window,” Dr. Molobi told www.safa.net.

Orlando Pirates attacker Tshepang Moremi has been called-up as his replacement by newly appointed Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Notably, Moremi assisted Thapelo Maseko's goal against South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which sent the team to the knockout stages for the first time in history.

South Africa, meanwhile, are set to host Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 26 September, before facing Eritrea at a neutral venue in Cairo.

In addition, Mosimane and his troops will lock horns with Egypt in an away international friendly match on 04 October, with the FIFA break extended to three weeks.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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