Bafana Bafana will be without Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba for Wednesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea, with head coach Pitso Mosimane confirming that both players have been ruled out through injury.
The Mamelodi Sundowns pair have not trained since arriving in Cairo after starting Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Modiba was forced off in the second half after picking up an injury, while Mokoena played through discomfort in the closing stages as Bafana held on for victory.
Mosimane revealed that Mokoena wanted to remain on the pitch despite the problem because the coach had already used all his substitutions.
“Mokoena was pulling that leg with a few minutes to go, and he gave us everything to finish the game,” said Mosimane.
Scans have since confirmed that both players are injured, ruling them out of the second Group D qualifier.
“Aubrey is not available; Teboho is not available. They haven’t trained since we came. The doctor took them for scans, and the scans, in a nutshell, showed that they are injured, and we can’t use them.”
Their absence leaves Mosimane with two established internationals unavailable as Bafana look to build on their winning start to the campaign.
Samukele Kabini, who scored the winning goal against Guinea, could move into the left-back position in Modiba’s absence.
In midfield, Bathusi Aubaas and Sphephelo Sithole are options to replace Mokoena, with Relebohile Mofokeng potentially operating further forward.
Mosimane admitted losing the pair is a blow but stressed that there was little choice given their injuries.
“Who would not use the players who have helped us to be where we are at this point in time? Unfortunately, they will not be available,” he said.
Both players have remained with the squad while receiving treatment, although their availability for Sunday’s friendly against Egypt is also in serious doubt.
“It’s good they are here; they are resting, and we can get them right,” Mosimane added.
“I don’t know if they’ll make the next match, but according to the doctors, the chances are very minimal that they can make it against Egypt. But this one, definitely, they will miss.”
Bafana face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm South African time.
