2019 Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa vs Nigeria
17 November 2018
FNB Stadium
15h00
Bafana Bafana host Nigeria in a crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 15h00 CAT.
South Africa currently occupy second spot in Group E, a point behind Nigeria after four rounds of fixtures, but like their rivals, they will book their place at next year's showpiece in Cameroon with victory at the weekend.
Stuart Baxter's men got their qualifying campaign off to the perfect start in Uyo last year with goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau leading South Africa to a 2-0 win and first competitive victory over their great rivals.
There was little hope for Bafana Bafana heading into he reverse fixture in Nigeria, but Baxter's troops finally ended their hoodoo against the West African's having only ever beaten the Super Eagles in a friendly match in 12 previous encounters.
Both teams have been rocked by injuries in build-up to this weekend's clash with Kamohelo Mokotjo, Dean Furman, Keagan Dolly, Bongani Zungu and Bradley Grobler among those on South Africa's injury list. Baxter will also sweating on the availably of recalled Thulani Serero and Ronwen Williams who picked up knocks in build-up to the clash.
Gernot Rohr has been equally affected by injury withdrawals with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and star forward Odion Ighalo added to an extended list of absentees.
Ighalo, who scored five goals in two qualifiers against Libya last month picked up a hamstring injury ahead of this weekend's match and will be a huge miss. Furthermore, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is suspended for the clash.
‘‘Everybody knows what I said in the first press conference that despite the injuries, I want to speak about the players that we do have because even though we respect Nigeria we do not fear them," said Baxter ahead of this weekend's showdown.
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‘‘I think we have still enough talent‚ enough desire and if we can structure a game plan in the next three or four days‚ I think by the time we run out onto the FNB Stadium we would be confident‚ we would not be complacent‚ because Nigeria have just come from a World Cup.
"They will certainly want to wreak their revenge. So‚ we will be ready and I still believe that we have a very good chance of getting the result that we need.”
Most recent starting 11:
South Africa vs Seychelles:Khune, Mphahlele, Hlanti, Hlatshwayo, Mkwanazi, Furman, Mokotjo, Maboe (Modiba 58'), Tau, Mothiba, Ndlovu.
Nigeria vs Libya: Uzoho, Aina, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Collins, Ndidi, Etebo (Ogu 74'), Iwobi (Ajayi 90'+3), Ahmed Musa, Kalu (Onyekuru 80'), Ighalo.
Form and Fixtures - 2019 Afcon qualifiers:
South Africa (most recent last): WDWD
Next two qualifiers: Nigeria (H), Liberia (A).
Nigeria (most recent last): LWWW
Next two qualifiers: South Africa (A), Seychelles (H)
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