As Bafana Bafana prepares for their crucial second-leg AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville, coach Hugo Broos will have to make do without several key players due to injuries, personal reasons, and disciplinary issues. Here’s a list of the players ruled out and why they won’t feature in the match.
Congo vs South Africa: Bafana’s Key Absentees for AFCON Qualifier
Lyle Foster (Striker – Burnley)
- Reason: Injury
- Details: Foster, who scored in Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Congo in the first leg, sustained an injury after colliding with Congo’s goalkeeper, Christopher Mafoumbia. Although the injury does not require surgery, he has returned to his club for rehabilitation.
Jayden Adams (Midfielder – Stellenbosch FC)
- Reason: Disciplinary reasons
- Details: Coach Hugo Broos dropped Adams from the squad due to behaviour that didn’t meet the professional standards expected by the national team. He has been replaced by Chippa United’s Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
Thalente Mbatha (Midfielder – Orlando Pirates)
- Reason: Injury
- Details: Mbatha picked up an injury during the MTN8 final. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Bathusi Aubaas has been called up in his place to strengthen the squad’s midfield options.
Percy Tau (Forward – Al Ahly)
- Reason: Personal reasons
- Details: Tau requested to be excluded from the squad, citing personal issues. He has not played for Bafana Bafana since June and has been dealing with uncertainty regarding his club’s future and mental well-being.
Conclusion:
Despite these notable absences, Bafana Bafana will need to pull together as they head into the decisive match against Congo Brazzaville. A victory would secure their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the team will be determined to get the job done despite missing key players.
Related article: Afcon Qualifiers Preview: Congo vs Bafana Bafana – Betting Tips, H2H, Where to Watch