Khune in goal for Bafana Bafana
Itumeleng Khune starts in goal while Anele Ngcongca captains Bafana Bafana in their 2017 Afcon qualifier against Gambia this afternoon.
The national side announced their team to face Gambia on Twitter last night.
Goalkeeper Lucky Khuzwayo was ruled out of selection as he battles a bout of flu. Khune, the former Bafana captain, returns in goal.
Belgium-based defender Ngcongca has been given the captains armband. He forms Bafana's defensive backbone alongside Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thabo Matlaba.
The Bafana midfield features Andile Jali, May Mahlangu, Thulani Serero, Oupa Manyisa and Ayanda Patosi. Mahlangu starts despite ruffling feathers last year. The Turkey-based midfielder pulled out of a Bafana training camp last year complaining of fatigue.
Meanwhile the relatively inexperienced Thamsanqa Gabuza is the lone striker upfront. He is the preferred choice for Tokelo Rantie - who was married last weekend and is currently on honeymoon.
Bafana Bafana team to face Gambia:
Khune, Ngcongca (c), Coetzee, Hlatshwayo, Matlaba, Jali, Mahlangu, Serero, Manyisa, Patosi, Gabuza.
Substitutes: Mabokgwane (gk), Daniels, Zungu, Masango, Phala, Ntshangase, Ntuli
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
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