Bafana Bafana will be looking to make it three wins consecutively when they square off with Mozambique on Thursday night. Hugo Broos’ men overpowered Sierra Leone and Botswana in their last two matches that were held at FNB Stadium in September.
Broos was clear that they chose to play the so-called lowly countries, because they want to keep the winning streak, rather than play big footballing nations who could embarrass them.
Meanwhile, Mozambique drew their last two outings, both against Malawi in the 2022 African Nations Championships qualifiers, and will be out to upset the home side. The Mambas booked their place in CHAN which will be hosted by Algeria next year.
What’s notable in their next squad is that their SA-based experienced internationals Elias Pelembe of Royal AM and Edmilson Dove of Kaizer Chiefs are missing. It appears the Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde selected the local players as they are preparing for CHAN.
On paper, odds are in favour of Broos’s charges who are ranked 67th in the world, while Mozambique are 114th. The unavailability of the likes of Pelembe could also perhaps lessen the threat that Conde’s troops would pose.
Bafana’s squad has some new faces like the in-form Monnapule Saleng, Miguel Timm, Njabulo Blom, and Bathusi Aubaas. The Belgian tactician has a stronger team, and the home advantage will also come into play for his side.
The last time the two countries met was in the COSAFA Cup quarter-final, when the Mambas won 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw in the match.
The match is set to kick off at 8:30 PM, taking place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, Mbombela Stadium.
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