Hugo Broos names Bafana squad for Benin clash

Hugo Broos has brought out some surprises as he named his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

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HUGO BROOS SHOCKS WITH LATEST SQUAD

Bafana Bafana will face Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 18 November 2023, before travelling to Huye to tackle Rwanda on November 21, 2023 in a crucial international windows

Broos’ men are now unbeaten in 11 games, winning six and drawing five, dating back to June 2022, when they were defeated in Morocco. However a string of underwhelming draws have many doubting if the Belgian can finally take South Africa to the World Cup.

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BAFANA BAFANA NEED RESULTS

With Benin rated 93rd and Rwanda 140th in the current FIFA rankings, as well as 40th-placed Nigeria, 125th Zimbabwe, and 153rd Lesotho in Bafana’s World Cup qualifying group, Broos and his team need two positive outcomes from these first two Group C matches.

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The best side from each of the nine CAF qualification groups will advance straight to the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Broos included uncapped Bradley Cross and Oswin Appollis, as well as Jayden Adams, who has played for Bafana in the COSAFA Cup in a trio of surprise call-ups.

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Under fire Siyanda Xulu has been retained despite struggling with the pace of recent competitive matches.

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD

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Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Bradley Cross, Grant Kekana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mdau.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole.

Forwards: Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, Lebo Mothiba, Parcy Tau, Oswin Appollis, Mihlali Mayambela, Thapelo Maseko, Bongokuhle Hlongwane.