Bafana Bafana are on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a win against Nigeria could see them qualify for the global showpiece.
South Africa top Group C with 16 points from seven matches played, ahead of their nearest rivals, Benin and Nigeria. A draw against the Super Eagles will also put Hugo Broos in a good position, thus eliminating the Super Eagles from finishing first in the group.
Bafana Bafana and Nigeria face each other on Tuesday (09 September) at the Free State Stadium. Kick off is for 18:00. Both teams played to a 1-1 draw in Nigeria earlier this year, but it will be the Super Eagles who will look for maximum points as they look to win their remaining matches to finish first.
Bafana’s lineup, which could face Nigeria
Ronwen Williams (GK)
The Bafana captain has looked solid in goals and conceded fewer than five goals during the qualifying campaign. A clean sheet at home against the Super Eagles could see his side qualify for the World Cup with two matches to spare.
Zuko Mdunyelwa (RB)
With Khuliso Mudau not selected for the World Cup qualifiers, Mdunyelwa is a perfect replacement. The Mamelodi Sundowns right-back came as a substitute for injured Nyiko Mobbie against Lesotho and impressed. If Bafana are to beat Nigeria, their right-hand side needs to be solid.
Thabo Moloisane (CB)
Moloisane limped off during South Africa’s 3-0 defeat to Lesotho but is expected to be fit against the Super Eagles. He has been solid for a number of seasons for Stellenbosch and is more likely to start ahead of Siyabonga Ngezana or Khulumani Ndamane.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (CB)
Most South African fans were waiting to see the battle between Mbokazi and Victor Osimhen. Unfortunately, the Nigerian striker has been ruled out of Tuesday’s clash due to injury.
Mbokazi will still have his hands full against on Tuesday, but recent form shows he should do well against some of the best forwards on the continent.
Aubrey Modiba (LB)
The experienced left-back looked sharp against Lesotho and will be one of the first players to be on Hugo Broos’ team list on Tuesday.
Bathusi Aubaas (DM)
Aubaas did not start against Lesotho but came on in the second half as a substitute. He should start ahead of Thalente Mbatha on Tuesday, given Bafana will need to keep the ball more against Nigeria and keep a defensive shape. Mbatha’s work rate is impressive but he has a habit of giving possession away.
Teboho Mokoena (CM)
Mokoena and Aubaas in the middle will stabilise Bafana’s midfield. The duo has played alongside each other at Sundowns for years and should combine easily in the middle of the park.
Sipho Mbule (AM)
Another player who has played with the duo is Mbule. The three of them together in the midfield could give South Africa the urge and also the creative freedom when going forward. All three can defend and win position with Mbule and Mokoena capable of playing the number 8 role.
Bafana could win the Nigeria game from the middle
Oswin Appollis (LW)
The Orlando Pirates winger has found form at the right time, which will please Broos and millions of South Africans. He scored against Lesotho and will no doubt fancy another against Nigeria.
Mohau Nkota (RW)
Having played in the CAF Champions League semi-final, the 20-year-old winger is fearless and Tuesday’s match will be his biggest test yet. He got a surprise start against Likuena and impressed, so it only makes sense for the Bafana Bafana coach to field him against Nigeria on Tuesday.
Lyle Foster (ST)
Foster has been in good form this season, scoring for both club and country in a space of a week. With Nkota, Mbule and Appollis to provide, it shouldn’t surprise you to see the big number nine scoring yet again for his national team.
Which players will you include in your team?
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