Bafana Bafana v Nigeria: We pick our starting XI

Bafana v Nigeria: We pick our starting XI. The South Africans can secure qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a victory at the FNB Stadium.

Can Bafana Bafana wake up from their Seychelles slumber against Nigeria on Saturday?

Stuart Baxter’s men will still take confidence from the incredible 2-0 win over the Super Eagles in June 2017 in Uyo, but as Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said this week, he has a vastly different team who have come through an outstanding World Cup campaign.

Here is our Bafana starting XI…

Goalkeeper: Itumeleng Khune

Undoubtedly the No 1 shot-stopper in the country, Khune is the first name on the Bafana team-sheet. But he is going to have his hands full against a lethal Nigerian attacking force. Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho more than make up for the loss of the injured Odion Ighalo and Wilfred Ndidi.

Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Sfiso Hlanti

They have become the established back-four for Bafana Bafana in recent months, and have not conceded a goal in the last three Afcon qualifiers against Libya and Seychelles (twice).

But Tebogo Langerman and Erick Mathoho were alongside Mphahlele and Hlatshwayo in the famous 2-0 win in Uyo in June 2017, so it will be a new experience for Mkhwanazi and Hlanti to deal with that dangerous Nigerian front-line.

Source: IOL News