Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction: World Cup qualifier vs Ethiopia

Bafana Bafana are chasing their first victory over Ethiopia on Saturday 9 October, as they seek to take control of Group G of Caf’s World Cup qualifying.

Here we predict the potential lineup for Bafana Bafana to face Ethiopia at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Saturday 9 October.

Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction

Barring a COVID-19 positive or an injury Ronwen Williams will start in goal for South Africa as the team captain and obvious first-choice gloveman.

Ronwen Williams of South Africa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Ivory Coast and South Africa at the Al Salaam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 24 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Sifiso Hlanti’s recent sending off and poor form for Kaizer Chiefs is likely to see Sydney Mobbie retain his place as the starting left back.

Bafana Bafana record vs Ethiopia

Hugo Broos hasn’t picked a specialist fullback to be deployed on the right hand side of defence, suggesting that he might opt to deploy Njabulo Blom in the position after his impressive run deputising at right back for Kaizer Chiefs.

As a centre back pairing Siyanda Xulu and Rushine de Reuck ensured that Bafana Bafana kept Ghana quiet last time out, and we’d expect Broos to keep faith in the duo.

Rushine De Reuck of South Africa during the 2021 COSAFA Cup match between South Africa and Eswatini at Nelson Isaac Wolfson Stadium, Port Elizabeth, on 08 July 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala should start as the central midfield pairing provided both come through the testing regime. The pair were excellent against the Black Stars and appear well suited to Broos’ style.

Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat (C) fights for the ball with South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena (L) during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying round Group G football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on September 3, 2021. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP) (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ethan Brooks started against Ghana but it would be a surprise to see him start ahead of Sipho Mbule in Bahir Dar.

Percy Tau has been left out of the Bafana Bafana squad which should open up a place in the front three for red-hot Royal AM striker Victor Letsoalo.

Broos should retain faith with Evidence Makgopa up front despite a mediocre run in the qualifiers to date.

South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa (C) vies with Zimbabwe’s Marshal Munetsi during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying round Group G football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on September 3, 2021. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP) (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images)

After netting the winner against Ghana, Bongokuhle Hlongwane should complete the Bafana Bafana starting XI.

Bafana Bafana starting XI predicted

Ronwen Williams, Sydney Mobbie, Siyanda Xulu, Rushine de Reuck, Njabulo Blom, Mothobi Mvala, Tebogo Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Victor Letsoalo, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Evidence Makgopa.

Confirmed starting XI

TBA

Starting XIs must be confirmed by teams one hour before kick-off.

from The South African https://ift.tt/2YCLE0T