Bafana Bafana are in Monrovia for a do-or-die Afcon 2023 qualifier and here’s what you need to know.
Bafana Bafana vs Liberia: What you need to know
Dropped the ball
Liberia fought back from two goals down to claim a shock draw against Bafana and snatch a valuable point away from home in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
It means Bafana need to win to book their place in the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon next year.
Kick-off time
The vital game will kick off at 6pm SA time.
Broos could lose his job anyway
After the draw last week, emotional coach Hugo Broos left the bench before the match ended. He also failed to attend the post-match television interviews and the post-match press conference.
Many South Africans won’t forget the bold words he uttered at his first press conference on May 12 in 2021.
“If Bafana Bafana don’t qualify for the 2023 Afcon, you can kill me,” he stated at that time.
A
Broos also dismissed suggestions that he ever considered quitting Bafana Bafana in the heat of the moment on Friday and heading back home to his native Belgium.
“Yes, yes, for sure for sure, if there is something I want it is to qualify (Bafana Bafana) for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he continued. “It has been the same (goal) since I got to South Africa. It is something I have worked for in the last two years and it was with ups and downs. Sometimes people didn’t understand why I took some decisions, but I think everyone saw yesterday that we have a good team.
“Yeah, let’s be clear about that also. And let’s be clear again that I still believe in the team and that I want to go with them to the Afcon next year in Côte d’Ivoire. So there is no doubt about it, and I will again do everything I can to win on Tuesday, and to assure qualification for Afcon in January next year. So let there be no doubt about that.”
Squad to face Liberia
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Sundowns), Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (Turan Tovus, Azerbaijan)
Midfielders: Luke Le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Miguel Timm (Pirates), Sphephelo SIthole (Belenenses, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns)
Forwards: Monnapule Saleng (Pirates), Themba Zwane, Cassius Mailula (both Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (SuperSport), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt)