David Notoane has announced his starting XI for the must-win clash at Congo Brazzaville this evening.
The Young Bafana side need to overturn a 1-1 first-leg draw, where Thapelo Maseko equalised the visitors first-half lead in the second interval.
South Africa either need a win or a high-scoring draw to qualify for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, while a 0-0 or a home win would see Congo Brazzaville progress.
The top three sides at the U23 AFCON qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, which was the number one target for Notoane and his men.
However, they had to overcome some struggles and dirty tricks by the home side in the build-up, with only below-average training pitches available in Brazzaville and the Matchday -1 training being interrupted by players of the home side after 30 minutes.
South Africa overcame Togo’s U23 side in the previous round, thanks to a 2-2 draw away from home, which was followed by a goalless draw in Mzansi to advance on away goals.
Meanwhile, Congo Brazzaville knocked out Tunisia on away goals, beating them 1-0 at home before losing the away leg 2-1.
Here is how they line up:
South Africa U23: Vyver, Johannes, Makhanya, Dortley, Msani, Chauke, Adams, Van Wyk, Maseko, Shabalala, Radiopane
