South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are on the brink of sealing a place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2025).
Hugo Broos’ side meets up with the Pharaohs of Egypt on Friday, 26 December.
The venue will be at the 45 000 capacity Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco, with a kick-off at 17:00.
How will Hugo Broos set up?
BAFANA BAFANA’S EXPECTED STARTING LINE-UP AGAINST EGYPT
Bagging three points in Monday’s opening 2-1 win over Angola was 100% mission accomplished for any team starting a major tournament.
However, performances matter, and for South Africa, it fell below expectations.
Hugo Broos to drop Sphephelo Sithole and Mohau Nkota?
Part of the cause was team selection, which affects the best coaches in the world. Afcon debutant Mohau Nkota, just 21 years old, struggled to make an impact on the wing.
Nkota made way at half-time after a quiet first half.
In central midfield, neither Teboho Mokoena nor Sphephelo Sithole pushed high enough to combine with Sipho Mbule in the all-essential number 10 role.
Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha as replacements
Hugo Broos is set to ring the changes, with the Belgian expected to drop Nkota and Sithole as he reshapes his line-up. In Nkota’s place, Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi should slot in.
The 25-year-old from Sharpeville has been prolific this season with 8 goals in 20 outings for the Buccaneers. He made an instant impact off the bench against Angola.
The former AmaZulu winger found the net within seconds, only for VAR to step in and rule the goal out for offside.
Related read: Where are Bafana Bafana on the current CAF rankings?
For Bafana Bafana to unlock the Egyptian defence, they need to sustain high pressing. Coach Broos should therefore lean on Mbatha’s balance of bite and build-up alongside Mokoena in the heart of midfield.
The Durban-born star is no slouch in front of goal, with 3 goals in 10 games for the national side.
FULL STARTING 11 TO FACE EGYPT:
Goalkeeper: Ronwen William, right-back: Khuliso Mudau, right central defender: Siyabonga Ngezana, left central defender: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, left-back: Aubrey Modiba, central midfielder: Teboho Mokoena, central midfielder: Thalente Mbatha, attacking midfielder: Sipho Mbule, right-winger: Tshepang Moremi, left winger: Oswin Appollis, striker: Lyle Foster.