Overview
- FIFA deducted three points for fielding ineligible Teboho Mokoena, leaving Bafana tied with Benin on 14 points and trailing on goal difference in Group C where only the winner qualifies automatically.
- Hugo Broos called the Zimbabwe match at Moses Mabhida “maybe the most important,” targeting victory to reach 17 points before facing Rwanda in Mbombela four days later.
- Relebohile Mofokeng was ruled out injured and replaced by Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala, while Iqraam Rayners was withdrawn for medical reasons and Orlando Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa was called up.
- Broos said Lyle Foster and Sphephelo Sithole would join the camp after late club duty, and he kept Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi with the senior squad rather than releasing him to the U-20 World Cup.
- Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza received a maiden call-up, and both remaining fixtures will be played in South Africa with Zimbabwe staging their ‘home’ game in Durban due to stadium requirements.