Bafana Bafana will be without Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba for Wednesday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea, with coach Pitso Mosimane confirming that both players are injured.
The Mamelodi Sundowns pair have not trained since arriving in Cairo. ‘Tebza’ and ‘Postman’ started Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Guinea in Johannesburg. Modiba had to be withdrawn in the second half due to injury.
On the other hand, Mokoena felt discomfort in the closing stages of the Guinea match but stayed on to help Bafana see out the win. Mosimane explained that he had already used up his substitutions.
Scans subsequently confirmed that neither would be available as South Africa look to build on that positive start to the campaign. There is also doubt over their availability for Sunday’s friendly against Egypt, with Mosimane revealing that doctors consider their chances of recovering in time slim.
“Mokoena was pulling that leg with a few minutes to go, and he gave us everything to finish the game,” said Mosimane.
“Aubrey is not available; Teboho is not available. They haven’t trained since we came. The doctor took them for scans, and the scans, in a nutshell, showed that they are injured, and we can’t use them.”
MOSIMANE FACES CHANGES AGAINST ERITREA
The absences force Mosimane to adjust his team for the second qualifier, taking two established internationals out of contention. At left-back, Samukele Kabini, who scored the second against Guinea, looks likely to slot in for Modiba.
In midfield, Mosimane may pair Bathusi Aubaas with Sphephelo Sithole, with Relebohile Mofokeng to play just in front of them.
“Who would not use the players who have helped us to be where we are at this point in time? Unfortunately, they will not be available,” he said.
Both players remain with the squad while receiving treatment, although Mosimane stopped short of giving a return date.
“It’s good they are here; they are resting, and we can get them right,” he added.
“I don’t know if they’ll make the next match, but according to the doctors, the chances are very minimal that they can make it against Egypt. But this one, definitely, they will miss.”
Wednesday’s encounter against Eritrea takes place at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, with kick-off scheduled for 6 PM South African time.
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