Durban - A jet-lagged and rejigged Bafana Bafana side will have to dig deep for a positive result when they face Ghana in an international friendly at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday night.
Coach Ephraim Mashaba is keen to “see what the new players can offer” as they use this game “as part of preparations towards (World Cup) 2018”.
The ejection of striker Tokelo Rantie for his no-show before departure to Ouagadougou has been followed by withdrawals of several players through injury, a family bereavement and for club duty. Rantie was released back to his club and mother body SAFA will deal with the matter, said the coach at their beachfront hotel yesterday.
Defender Erick Mathoho was excused following the death of his half brother, right-back Diamond Thopola is out with a snapped ligament, midfielder Thulani Serero is doubtful with an ankle strain, and the trio of Mamelodi Sundowns players Tebogo Langerman, Hlompho Kekana and Keagan Dolly were released ahead of their club’s CAF Champions League final first leg clash with Egypt’s Zamalek in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
This could mean more action for striker Eleazer Rodgers and appearances for fringe players Isaac Nhlapo, Ayanda Patosi and Thobani Mncwango. South Africa’s next qualifier is against Senegal at home on November 12, which means this will be the final opportunity for Mashaba to test several combinations.
“Rodgers gave us an opportunity to play long balls into their box. He competed very well and that’s how we were able to turn the Burkina Faso defence,” said Mashaba who was at pains to balance the positives with the negatives of their journey.
Two pit-stops en route to Burkina Faso, in Ghana and Ivory Coast, meant little to no on-field preparation. Factor in the heat and humidity, and a full house home crowd, and South Africa were fortunate not to be at least 3-0 down, admitted Mashaba.
“We arrived in Durban on Monday morning. Ghana were here from Sunday. We only took to the pool and had no training sessions, so I’m stuck with not knowing who is right and who isn’t,” Mashaba said in reference to the players’ conditioning.
“On paper this game is part of our preparations. Let’s hope this game gives us a chance to say that we can go forward and that we still have certain players.
“Against Ghana we know what to expect. They are quick, physical and they take shots from all angles. If we give the ball away it will allow them to come into the box. If you give them room to play they will kill you.”
Ghana will also use this outing as an exercise to sharpen the team for their trip to Cairo for a qualifier against Egypt next month. Injuries rule out former Free State Stars defender Jonathan Mensah, attacker Jordan Ayew and Afriyie Acquah, although they will be in better physical shape having arrived in Durban a day before Bafana Bafana. Kick-off on Tuesday night is at 7pm.
Squads
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Thulani Hlatshwayo (C), Thabo Matlaba, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Dean Furman, Thulani Serero, Mpho Makola, Eleazer Rodgers, Jackson Mabokgwane, Brighton Mhlongo, Abbubaker Mobara, Oupa Manyisa, May Mahlangu, Ayanda Patosi, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thobani Mncwango, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Isaac Nhlapo
Ghana: Adam Kawarasey, Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, Enoch Adu Kofi, Gilbert Koomson, Thomas Partey, Razak Braimah, Mubarak Wakaso, Baba Rahman, Agyemang Badu, John Boye, Edwin Gyimah, David Accam, Samuel Tetteh, Frank Acheampong, Christian Atsu, Majeed Waris, Asamoah Gyan
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The Star