The Bafana Bafana team has faced a double blow due to injuries, as Aubrey Modiba and Tebogo Mokoena will be unable to participate in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea, which is scheduled to take place in Cairo on Wednesday. Head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that both players have been excluded from the squad due to injuries.
The pair from Mamelodi Sundowns has not trained since arriving in Cairo following their 2-1 victory over Guinea on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium Amstel Arena. Modiba was forced off the field in the second half after sustaining an injury, while Mokoena continued to play despite discomfort in the final minutes of the match, when Bafana secured the win.
Mosimane reported that Mokoena wanted to stay on the field despite the issue because the coach had already exhausted all substitutions. Final preparations are taking place in Egypt, where Bafana Bafana is training at the training ground ahead of the CAF AFCON qualifying match against Eritrea.
Mosimane noted: 'Mokoena was pushing through that leg when there were only a few minutes left, and he gave us everything to finish the game.' Subsequently, scans confirmed that both players sustained injuries, which excludes them from the second qualifying round of Group D.
The coach stated: 'Aubrey is unavailable; Tebogo is unavailable. They have not trained since our arrival. The doctor sent them for scans, and the scans, in short, showed that they are injured, and we cannot use them.'
Their absence leaves Mosimane without two experienced international players as Bafana strives to maintain a successful start to the campaign. Samukele Kabini, who scored the winning goal against Guinea, may move to the left-back position instead of Modiba. For Mokoena's midfield replacement, options include Batousi Aubaas and Shphelo Sithole, while Relebokhile Mofokeng could potentially operate closer to the attack.
Mosimane acknowledged that losing these two players is a blow, but emphasized that there was little choice due to their injuries. He added: 'Who would use players who helped us reach the level we are at right now? Unfortunately, they will not be available.'
Both players remained in the squad receiving treatment, although their participation in the friendly match on Sunday against Egypt also raises serious doubts. Mosimane added: 'It is good that they are here; they are resting, and we can get them into shape.' He continued: 'I don't know if they will be able to play in the next match, but according to the doctors, the chances are very slim that they can feature against Egypt. But they will definitely miss this match.'
Bafana will face Eritrea at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, with the match scheduled to kick off at 18:00 South African time.
