The stage is ready for an intense conflict as South Africa gears as much as face Benin within the ultimate match of gameweek one in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
Amidst the aggressive Group C, the hosts, South Africa, are anticipated to problem for the highest spot alongside Nigeria.
This match gives them a possibility to safe an early lead after the group’s preliminary matches concluded with attracts.
Match Preview:
South Africa enters this fixture as the favourite, carrying a streak of resilience with 5 undefeated matches in all competitions, clinching two wins and three attracts.
Below the helm of recent head coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana earned a spot within the forthcoming African Cup of Nations match in Ivory Coast.
Their subsequent goal is to provoke a powerful marketing campaign for a spot within the World Cup finals, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2010.
Broos’ tenure has been marked by optimistic integration between a youthful squad and seasoned gamers, together with daring choice selections.
Demonstrating their prowess, Bafana Bafana defeated Morocco throughout the AFCON qualifiers and held Ivory Coast to a 1-1 draw in an away match final month, showcasing their functionality towards robust opponents.
Nevertheless, South Africa faces a problem with key participant absences, necessitating reliance on their squad depth for this important preliminary match.
On the opposite facet, Benin enters this fixture as underdogs, exhibiting common kind with one win, two attracts, and two losses of their final 5 matches in all competitions.
Below the brand new management of Gernot Rohr, identified for guiding Nigeria to a bronze medal within the 2019 AFCON, Benin faces the daunting process of securing their maiden World Cup qualification.
The crew contains expert gamers, together with Ligue 1’s Brest ahead, Steve Mounie.
These groups met as soon as earlier than throughout the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia, the place South Africa emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
Types:
South Africa: L-W-D-W-D-D
Benin: D-W-D-L-D-L
Crew Information:
South Africa encounters damage setbacks, excluding Lebo Mothiba, Thapelo Maseko, and Grant Kekana from the squad.
Elias Mokwana, Proof Makgopa, and Thapelo Xoki have been known as up as replacements, whereas Burnley’s Lyle Foster has stepped away from soccer for psychological well-being.
For Benin, Jodel Dossou, a key participant regardless of membership profession challenges, scored of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier defeat.
Former France junior worldwide Cedric Hountondji is anticipated to function in central protection.
Predicted Lineups:
South Africa:(4-2-3-1)
Williams;
Morena, Hlatshwayo, De Reuck, Maela;
Mokoena, Maboe;
Tau, Zwane, Singh;
Grobler
Benin:(4-3-3)
Allagbe;
Sankamao, Hountondji, Adenon, Tijani;
Dodo, Ahlvini, Olaitan;
Assougba, Aiyegun, Dossou
Prediction: South Africa 2-1 Benin
Below new administration, South Africa seems stronger. Whereas Benin goals to place up a battle, South Africa’s enhancements make them the favorites on this encounter.
