Bafana Maboe Ruled Out of AFCON Qualifier, Moremi Called Up
Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying opener have taken an early knock, with coach Pitso Mosimane forced into a late change to his squad.
Lebohang Maboe has been withdrawn from the camp in Johannesburg after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend.
The South African senior men’s national team host Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, launching their AFCON qualifying campaign on home soil. Kick-off is set for 15h00, but Mosimane will now have to do without one of his attacking options.
Team doctor Dr Tshepo Molobi confirmed that Maboe reported for national duty already carrying the injury.
“Maboe arrived in camp on Sunday night with an ankle injury and after scans were conducted on Monday, a decision was taken to withdraw him,” Dr Molobi told the association’s official channels. “He twisted his ankle while playing for Kaizer Chiefs and after undergoing a scan, he will be ruled out from the current camp and this FIFA window.”
The setback forced an immediate response from the technical team. Mosimane has moved quickly, confirming that a call-up letter for Tshepang Moremi has been sent to Orlando Pirates as Bafana look to maintain balance in the squad ahead of a crucial home fixture.
Off the pitch, the push is on to pack Orlando Stadium. Tickets are already on sale, including hospitality packages. Standard tickets are priced at R100,00 for adults, with kids under 12 able to get in for R40,00.
- Standard tickets: R100,00 for adults
- Kids under 12: R40,00
There is one key condition for families: to purchase a child’s ticket, at least one adult ticket must be selected first. Kids’ tickets cannot be bought on their own.
Hospitality bookings are available via mobile on 082 805 3150 or by email at [email protected].
An early injury blow, a late call-up, and a home crowd expected to roar – Bafana’s AFCON journey starts under pressure, exactly the way South African football likes it.
