Bafana Bafana's Late Change: Maboe Out, Moremi In for AFCON Qualifier
Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash have taken an early hit, with coach Pitso Mosimane forced into a late change to his squad.
Lebohang Maboe has been withdrawn from the camp in Johannesburg after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend.
The midfielder reported for national team duty on Sunday night but was already struggling.
Bafana team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi confirmed that scans on Monday ended any hope of Maboe featuring in this international window.
“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 the SAFA platform.
Mosimane has moved quickly. A call-up letter for Tshepang Moremi has been sent to Orlando Pirates, with the attacker now drafted in as cover as South Africa turn their focus to Guinea.
AFCON Road Begins at Orlando
The South African senior men’s national team launch their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign on Saturday afternoon when they host Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Kick-off is at 15h00.
With qualification cycles often decided by fine margins, dropping points at home is not an option Mosimane will want to entertain, even with enforced changes to his squad.
Ticket Details
Tickets are already on sale, including hospitality packages.
- R100,00 for adults
- R40,00 for kids under 12
Important note for families: at least one adult ticket must be purchased before a child’s ticket can be added. Kids’ tickets cannot be bought on their own.
Hospitality booking information:
- Mobile contact: 082 805 3150
- Email: [email protected]
The stage is set at Orlando. Now it is up to a reshuffled Bafana Bafana squad to start their AFCON journey with authority.
