Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has been handed a double blow on the eve of the African Cup of Nations clash against Libya, with midfielders Bongani Zungu and Themba Zwane sidelined with injuries.
In addition, Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana is also an unlikely starter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Bafana announced on their Twitter account on Monday that Kekana “is in serious doubt” and was undergoing tests at his club. He sustained a knee injury just after halftime in the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Cape Town City on Sunday, and had to be substituted.
His club teammate Zwane picked up a toe problem against City, and was ruled out after a medical check-up by the Bafana team doctor.
Zungu, who plays for French side Amiens, was taken off on a stretcher with a knee injury at the weekend, and won’t make the trip to Mzansi.
@BafanaBafana midfielders Bongani Zungu & Themba Zwane have been withdrawn from the squad due to injuries. Midfielder Hlompho Kekana is in serious doubt & undergoing tests at his club. Zwane was in camp but got left behind after a medical check up by the national team doctor
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 3, 2018
Great fighting spirit from us to earn a point away from home.
Trusting God for speedy recovery 🚑🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/2b2JrIn8LY
— Bongani Zungu (@BonganiZungu08) September 2, 2018
That leaves Baxter with a selection dilemma in midfield, particularly in an attacking sense if Kekana is also unable to play. The remaining options are Dean Furman, Teboho Mokoena, Siphesihle Ndlovi, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Kamohelo Mokotjo.
Bafana Bafana coach, Stuart Baxter, is the last man out. From here they are heading straight to the Hilton Hotel where they will be based. Bafana are training at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu today at 3pm. @IOLsport @extrastrongsa pic.twitter.com/3oujBMbRUg
— Minenhle (@Minenhlecr7) September 3, 2018
It is unclear at this stage if the coach will call up any replacements for Zwane and Zungu, with the team having arrived in Durban on Monday.
@BafanaBafana have arrived in Durban @SAFA_net pic.twitter.com/tQLr9r82F1
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 3, 2018
@ashfakmohamed