Breaking News: South Africa makes four changes in starting line-up to face Ghana today, goalkeeper axed again
South Africa coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba has made four changes to the starting 11 that will take on Ghana in the crucial must-win final Group C match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday with the goalkeeper axed again.
Mashaba has opted for Brilliant Khuzwayo in goals, replacing Jackson Mabokgwane, who started against Senegal.
This is the third goalkeeper change in the tournament as Darren Keet played against Algeria in the opening match.
Rivaldo Coetzee, who missed the battle with the Teranga Lions of Senegal due to injury, slots in at central defence in place of the injured Thulani Hlatshwayo.
Coetzee himself was stretchered off in the opening match against Algeria because of a knee injury.
He will play alongside Erick Mathoho with Anele Ngcongca at right-back and Thabo Matlaba at left-back.
Bafana Bafana has opted for an offensive line-up with Mandla Masango taking the place of Oupa Manyisa in midfield while three players remain unchanged – Dean Furman, Andile Jali and Thuso Phala.
Furman will captain the side once again.
Upfront, Mashaba has selected the duo of Tokelo Rantie and Bongani Ndulula, the strike force that mainly did duty for him during the qualifiers. Ndulula comes in for Sibusiso Vilakazi. This will be Ndulula and Masango’s first start in the tournament.
South Africa and the Black Stars face off on Tuesday, 23 January at Stade de Mongomo. Kick-off is at 19h00 local time (18h00 Ghana time).
SA XI vs Ghana: 1-Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), 6-Anele Ngcongca, 11-Thabo Matlaba, 2-Rivaldo Coetzee, 3-Eric Mathoho, 15-Dean Furman (C), 5-Andile Jali, 7-Mandla Masango, 18-Thuso Phala, 23-Tokelo Rantie, 9-Bongani Ndulula
Subs: 16-Darren Keet (GK), 22-Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), 21-Ayanda Gcaba, 13-Thamsanqa Sangweni, 19-Themba Zwane, 12-Reneilwe Letsholonyane, 20-Oupa Manyisa, 8-Bongani Zungu, 17-Bernard Parker, 4-Siyabonga Nhlapho, 10-Sibusiso Vilakazi,
Injured: 14-Thulani Hlatshwayo
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