Baxter announces Bafana Bafana squad to face Libya
Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has announced a 24-man squad to take on Libya in the final round of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The match will take place on Sunday, 24 March 2019 Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax, Tunisia.
Kickoff is at 18h00 local time (19h00 South African time).
Baxter has kept the bulk of the players that have been doing duty for Bafana Bafana in the last five AFCON qualifiers.
“It’s good to have almost everyone back on board because there is no doubt how crucial this match is – no one needs a reminder of that,” said Baxter.
Bafana Bafana are in second position in Group E, and need just a point to book their place at the 2019 AFCON tournament, which will be held June in Egypt. Nigeria, who are also in Group E, has already qualified for the showpiece.
South Africa is on nine points, just one adrift of the Super Eagles, but two ahead of Libya.
“We are well aware of what we need to do – the mission is clear, win your match and you are safe. It is very dangerous to play for draw as it can come back to bite you – the match will dictate how we handle things but our approach from the onset is to go out there and win the match,” added Baxter.
“They want it as much as we do, so it is going to be battle royale in Tunisia and I am confident my players will be ready for it. I am optimistic they will leave everything on the field to make sure we cross that line.”
Bafana Bafana is the only side in Group E that is yet to lose a game after five rounds of matches. They have conceded only one goal – in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria.
Libya on the other hand has won two and drawn the same number of fixtures – and they are the highest scoring team in the group with 15 goals, but have conceded second highest goals – nine.
Bafana Bafana will assemble for camp on Saturday, 16 March and depart the same day for Tunisia.
The last match between South Africa and Libya ended in a goalless draw in Durban.
The Total Africa Cup of Nationstournament will be played from 21 June to 19 July.
It will be hosted by Egypt, after Cameroon was stripped the rights to host the showpiece.
Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet, Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bavuma.
Defenders: Daniel Cardoso, Rivaldo Coetzee, Aubrey Modida, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Innocent Maela, S'fiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thamsanqa Mkhize.
Midfielders: Bongani Zungu, Hlompho Kekana, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Samuel Mabunda, Thulani Serero, Thembinkosi Lorch, Themba Zwane.
Strikers: Lebo Mothiba, Percy Tau, Lars Veldwijk, Lebogang Maboe, Keagan Dolly.