Bafana Bafana striker Fagrie Lakay’s recent struggles for consistent game time at his Egyptian club Pyramids continue as he battles for a starting berth.
Lakay has been used rather sparingly by Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco in recent matches, often coming from the bench.
He made another appearance from the bench in his side’s 4-1 thumping of Togolese outfit ASKO Kara. This was in their Caf Confederation Cup encounter on Wednesday night.
FAGRIE LAKAY’S LAST START
It was the South African forward’s fourth straight appearance from the bench. His last start came in a 1-1 draw against fellow Egyptian side Future in the Confed Cup.
In all competitions, Lakay has made a total of 25 appearances, with 13 starts and 12 coming from the bench.
His impact has been limited, with the former Cape Town City striker scoring just five goals and providing two assists.
Nevertheless, Lakay has done enough to crack national team coach Hugo Broos’ preliminary Bafana Bafana squad ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Liberia.
Bafana will take on the Lone Stars in back-to-back Afcon qualifiers, with the first match set to take place at the Orlando Stadium on the 24th of March before they lock horns at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Liberia on the 28th.
Lakay will be desperate to earn a spot in Broos’ final squad for the two crucial qualifiers against the Lone Stars, and increased game time at his club will be crucial.
Pyramids are in pole position to reach the knockout stages of the Confed Cup, currently sitting pretty at the top of Group C with eight points from four matches.
The Egyptian side are a point clear of Moroccan side FAR Rabat who fell 2-0 to Future on Wednesday night.
By Sthembiso Nkabinde
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