AFCON 2023: Bafana Bafana squad CLUB breakdown

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos on Thursday named his final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in the Ivory Coast, starting next month.

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As was expected, there were plenty of shocks inclusions – and exclusions.

The tournament will take place from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in the Ivorian cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro. 

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Broos had earlier in the month named a 50-player preliminary squad which he has now trimmed to a final 23.

He also placed three players on standby.

The breakdown of the 23-man squad is goalkeepers (3), defenders (8), midfielders (6) and forwards (6).

BAFANA BAFANA AFCON 2023 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Terrence Mashego (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/POR)

Forwards: Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol/CYP), Percy Tau (Al Ahly/EGY), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

The three players on standby are Sibongiseni Mthethwa (midfielder – Kaizer Chiefs), Elias Mokwana (forward – Sekhukhune United) and Tapelo Xoki (defender – Orlando Pirates).

Mthethwa, who is currently injured, is the only Amakhosi player to have made the wider 26-player squad.

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The club breakdown is as follows (23-man squad only):

Mamelodi Sundowns – 10

Orlando Pirates – 3

SuperSport United – 2

Sekhukhune United – 2

AmaZulu – 1

Stellenbosch FC – 1

Polokwane City – 1

Tondela – 1

Al Ahly – 1

Aris Limassol – 1

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The following are the 24 players who failed to make the final cut:

Goalkeepers: Melusi Buthelezi, Bruce Bvuma

Defenders: Thabiso Monyane, Bradley Cross, Siyabonga Ngezana, Themba Mantshiyane, Ime Okon, Fawaaz Basadien, Given Msimango

Midfielders: Grant Margeman, Njabulo Blom, Miguel Timm, Bathusi Aubaas, Goodman Mosele, Ethan Brooks, Patrick Maswanganyi, Mlungisi Mbunjana

Forwards: Khanyiso Mayo, Lyle Foster, Lebo Mothiba, Monnapule Saleng, Tshepang Moremi, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Iqraam Rayners

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WHO WAS THE BIGGEST CASUALTY?

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As a reminder, Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group E alongside Tunisia, Mali and Namibia.

According to the latest FIFA rankings, Tunisia are ranked third in Africa (28th in the world), Mali are ninth (51st in the world) and Namibia find themselves in 27th place on the continent (115th in the world).

South Africa are 12th in Africa and 66th in the world.

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Bafana Bafana will kick off their tournament against Mali on Tuesday, 16 January at 20:00 (SA time).

Hugo Broos’ team will next face Namibia on Sunday, 21 January at 20:00 (SA time) and will wrap up their group matches against Tunisia on Wednesday, 24 January at 17:00 (SA time).

The top two sides in each of the six groups along with the four best third-placed finishers will qualify for the Round of 16.

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