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Orlando Pirates star replaces Lebo Maboe in Bafana Bafana squad

Lebo Maboe has withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad
Lebo Maboe has withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squadSAFA

Kaizer Chiefs star Lebo Maboe has been forced to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad that will start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign against Guinea on Saturday.

Maboe injured his ankle while playing for Amakhosi at the weekend, and scans have revealed that the damage will keep him out of the games against Guinea and Eritrea (September 30), as well as the friendly against Egypt on October 4.

It is a shame for Maboe, who last played for the national team in 2021.

The qualification competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations takes place from September 2026 to March 2027. The 48 teams have been drawn into 12 groups, with the top two in each advancing to the 24-team finals. Hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda qualify automatically, but are still playing in the qualifiers; only one other team will advance from their groups.

2027 AFCON Qualifying Fixtures    2027 AFCON Qualifying Standings    News  

He will be replaced in the squad by Orlando PiratesTshepang Moremi, the eighth winger to be included by new coach Pitso Mosimane.

It is not quite a like-for-like replacement, and why Mosimane felt he needed yet another wide option is unclear.

Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel are the four midfield options remaining in the squad.

 

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.

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