Bafana quartet doubtful for Angola clash
South Africa’s 3-1 over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday in Durban came at a price as four Bafana Bafana players are doubtful for the international friendly match against Angola on Tuesday.
Defenders Erick Mathoho (skin abrasion) and Thulani Hlatshwayo (ankle sprain) as well midfielders Dean Furman (groin) and Andile Jali (shoulder dislocation) are being monitored by the national team’s medical team.\
The quartet missed Bafana Bafana’s first training session at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday night (26 March 2017).
Mathoho and Hlatshwayo formed the central pairing in defence against Guinea-Guinea Bissau while Furman was in the heart of midfield alongside Kamohelo Mokotjo.BAfan
Jali came on as a substitute in the 58th minute, replacing Themba Zwane, but was stretchered off in referee’s optional time – just a few minutes after scoring South Africa’s third goal from the penalty spot.His place was taken was taken by Tiyani Mabunda.
Bafana Bafana will have their final training session on Monday at Buffalo City Stadium.
“It’s a concern when you have players injured but the good thing is that we have brought a good number of players with lots of quality so we will not rush these ones back," said interim coach Owen da Gama.
"We had already said we are going to make changes so if the quartet doesn’t recover on time for the match we are still covered. We will have to check with the medical team after Monday's training session what the status is and take it from there,” added Da Gama.
The South Africans arrived in East London on Sunday afternoon, while Angola has also landed in the coastal city.
The two nations clash at Buffalo City Stadium on Tuesday evening at 19h00.
Tickets for the match are still available at Computicket, Shoprite as well as Shoprite Checkers.