Teboho Mokoena returns to the starting line-up as Bafana Bafana prepare to face co-hosts Canada at SoFi Stadium for a place in the World Cup Round of 16. Photo: IANS
Image: IANS
Hugo Broos has recalled Teboho Mokoena to the starting lineup as Bafana Bafana prepare for their historic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Canada on Sunday evening.
South Africa enter the knockout encounter at SoFi Stadium carrying growing belief after securing qualification for the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history following victory over South Korea.
Mokoena returns, in place of Thalente Mbatha, after missing the previous match through suspension and immediately restores composure, leadership and distribution quality to the heart of midfield.
Ronwen Williams captains the side in goal behind a back four of Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba.
The Okon-Mbokazi partnership remains intact after delivering Bafana’s first clean sheet of the tournament in Monterrey, while Mudau and Modiba provide width and recovery pace from full-back.
In midfield, Mokoena partners Sphephelo Sithole and Oswin Appollis as Broos looks to balance defensive discipline with transitional threat against an aggressive Canadian side.
Further forward, Evidence Makgopa leads the line alongside tournament standout Thapelo Maseko, whose winning goal against South Korea secured South Africa’s passage into the knockout rounds.
Canada, backed by home support in Los Angeles, are expected to press aggressively, but Bafana will once again rely on compact structure and quick transitions as they attempt to continue their historic World Cup journey.