Bafana Bafana have suffered a late injury setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Lebohang Maboe ruled out of Saturday’s opener against Guinea and Tshepang Moremi called into the squad.
Maboe reported for international duty on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury during Kaizer Chiefs’ weekend fixture. A scan the following day confirmed that the midfielder would be unable to continue with the national team during the current international window.
“He twisted his ankle while playing for Kaizer Chiefs and after undergoing a scan, he will be ruled out from the current camp and this FIFA window,” Bafana team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi said.
The withdrawal leaves coach Pitso Mosimane with one fewer midfield option as preparations continue for the Group qualifying opener at Orlando Stadium.
Mosimane has moved quickly to strengthen his squad, with a formal call-up sent to Orlando Pirates for Moremi. The midfielder will now have the opportunity to join the national team and potentially make his Bafana debut against Guinea.
Saturday’s match, scheduled for a 3pm kick-off, represents the first step in South Africa’s bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
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Moremi’s inclusion comes at a significant moment for the Pirates midfielder, who will be looking to make an immediate impression after receiving his first senior international call-up.
For Maboe, meanwhile, the injury is particularly frustrating after he had been selected for the opening qualifiers. His late arrival in camp had already given the medical team limited time to assess the problem before the scan confirmed the extent of the setback.
Bafana will now continue preparations for Guinea with Mosimane assessing his remaining options before finalising his starting XI.
The emphasis will be on making a winning start on home soil, while Moremi will hope his unexpected opportunity can lead to a first appearance for South Africa.