AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Bafana Bafana Dealt Fresh Injury Setback After Hard-Fought Win Over Guinea

• Aubrey Modiba suffered a hamstring problem during Bafana Bafana's 2-1 AFCON qualifying victory over Guinea on Saturday
• Coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed the injury setback, which adds to existing defensive concerns after Nkosinathi Sibisi also withdrew from the squad
• Bafana face three matches in 10 days, including an AFCON qualifier against Eritrea and a friendly against Egypt

Bafana Bafana's injury troubles deepened after their hard-fought 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Guinea on Saturday, with defender Aubrey Modiba emerging from the match with a hamstring problem.

Head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed after the final whistle that Modiba had felt tightness in his hamstring, prompting a second-half substitution. Samukele Kabini replaced him and went on to score the decisive goal 12 minutes from time, after Ime Okon had given South Africa the lead earlier in the contest.

**Bafana's Defensive Options Under Strain**

Modiba's setback compounds an already difficult situation at the back for Mosimane's side. Nkosinathi Sibisi had previously been ruled out of the squad after picking up a knock during a training session. Despite the dual concern, Mosimane noted that Bafana retain cover in defensive positions, pointing to Khuliso Mudau and the in-form Kabini as available alternatives.

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Sibisi is expected to be fit ahead of Bafana's next fixture, while Modiba's condition will continue to be monitored.

**Why Mosimane Named a 30-Man Squad**

The coach also addressed his decision to assemble an expanded 30-man squad for this international window. With three matches scheduled over a 10-day period, Mosimane argued that a larger pool of players is essential to absorb the impact of injuries and other unexpected setbacks.

He acknowledged that managing a squad of that size places extra administrative demands on the South African Football Association, but maintained that the depth was non-negotiable given the fixture congestion and the results Bafana are expected to produce.

Mosimane also stressed the value of maintaining positive relations with clubs. By ensuring players are released back to their teams before the FIFA window closes, he hopes to secure cooperation from those clubs when future international call-ups are issued.

Bafana will next face Eritrea in an AFCON qualifier before turning out in an anticipated friendly against Egypt a few days later.

Source: Briefly News