How Bafana Bafana should line up vs Liberia

Bafana Bafana take on Liberia in a crucial back-to-back AFCON qualifier that will determine whether they qualify for Ivory Coast 2024, and Hugo Broos will look to pick a strong line up.

Bafana have missed the last two editions of the AFCON finals, and there is an air of hope that Coach Broos could guide the lads to Ivory Coast. 

They need to win both encounters to seal a place in the next edition of the AFCON. Two wins would guarantee them a second-place finish in the three-team group. 

The Lone Stars would have lost all three qualifiers with one against Morocco left. Even if they win that one, they would still finish third. 

With two teams set to qualify, both encounters are must-win encounters for Bafana.

The Belgian mentor last week trimmed his 35-man squad to 23 that will do battle against the West African nation. 

BAFANA BAFANA’S POSSIBLE LINE UP

From that 23-member squad, FARPost picks 11 players that should start the first leg at the Orlando Stadium on Friday [18h00]. 

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams 

With Veli Mothwa and Ricardo Goss deputising ‘Ronza’, it’s a no-brainer that the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper will start in goals. The Bafana captain is the most experienced of the three and by far the most consistent this season. It should be an easy call for Hugo Broos.

DEFENDERS

Nyiko Mobbie [Right-back]

Innocent Maela [Left-back]

Siyanda Xulu [Centre-back]

Mothobi Mvala [Centre-back]

Mobbie and Xulu are definite starters in a Hugo Broos team, while Orlando Pirates captain Maela should get the edge over Aubrey Modiba. The other centre-back slot should be filled by Mothobi Mvala, who returns to Bafana after a while.

MIDFIELDERS

Sphephelo Sithole 

Teboho Mokoena.

Themba Zwane

‘Yaya’ is easily Bafana’s best central defensive midfielder, while that eight role should be a pick between Mokoena and Luke Leroux. Of course, Mokoena plays as a six at Sundowns, but the switch shouldn’t be an issue. The number 10 is Themba Zwane’s at this point.

STRIKERS

Lyle Foster [Centre-forward]

Percy Tau [Right wing]

Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Left wing]

The front three is a bit tricky with all the players he has picked in top form. Monnapule Saleng has been in fine form for Orlando Pirates.

Tau has scored in the last two games for Al Ahly, while Bongokuhle Hlongwane has picked man of the match awards in his last two games.

Cassius Mailula has equally been good at Sundowns, and so has Mihlali Mayambela for his Greek side Aris Limassol.

It must be a good headache for Broos. But Foster, Tau and Hlongwane should be the starters for Bafana.

RELATED STORY: Bafana star explains Hugo Broos’ Mobbie over Mudau decision