Maboe Ruled Out of Bafana Bafana’s AFCON Opener Against Guinea With Ankle Injury

JOHANNESBURG — Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebohang Maboe has been ruled out of South Africa’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend.

Maboe reported for national team duty on Sunday night but was already carrying the injury. A scan conducted on Monday confirmed that he would be unable to take part in the current FIFA international window.

Bafana Bafana team doctor Tshepo Molobi confirmed the setback through SAFA’s official channels.

“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,” Molobi said.

The injury is a blow for coach Pitso Mosimane as he prepares for his first competitive match since returning for a second spell in charge of the national team.

Mosimane has responded by calling up Orlando Pirates midfielder Tshepang Moremi to replace Maboe. A formal call-up letter has already been sent to Pirates.

Maboe’s fitness had been a concern before the extent of the injury was confirmed. Mosimane had indicated earlier in the week that the midfielder was carrying a knock and had missed a training session while the medical team monitored his condition.

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South Africa face Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday at 15h00 in their opening qualifying fixture for the 2027 AFCON.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the “Pamoja 2027” banner. It will be the first time the Africa Cup of Nations is hosted by three countries and the first edition staged in East Africa since Ethiopia hosted the tournament in 1976.

SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan has called on supporters to fill the stadium as Bafana begin their qualifying campaign under Mosimane.

“We encourage families and fans to come in their numbers to support the team as we begin this new era under coach Pitso Mosimane,” Jordaan said.

The Guinea match will be followed by an away qualifier against Eritrea at Cairo’s Al-Salam Stadium on 30 September.

Bafana will then face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October, bringing the international window to a close.

Mosimane has also made changes to his technical team ahead of the matches. Marcus Mashilo, a former colleague from Mosimane’s time at Mamelodi Sundowns, has joined the setup as goalkeeper coach, while additional analysts have been brought in to strengthen the technical team.

The changes form part of Mosimane’s efforts to reshape the national team as he begins his second stint in charge.

Tickets for Saturday’s match against Guinea are on sale, with general admission priced at R100 for adults and R40 for children under 12. A child’s ticket must be purchased together with at least one adult ticket in the same booking.

Hospitality bookings are available through 082 805 3150 or bookings@sail.co.za, while match tickets can be purchased through Ticketpro.