Bafana Bafana will go in search of back-to-back wins when they take on Benin in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
South Africa head into the match high on confidence after their 2-0 win over Lesotho last Friday which saw them move to the top of Group C with 10 points, two more than Benin and three ahead of Rwanda.
Nigeria have six points while Lesotho have five, showing the tight nature of the group and why Bafana Bafana need to win on Tuesday.
Victory against Benin will take them five points ahead of “Les Guepards” (The Cheetahs) but to do that, coach Hugo Broos needs to field a strong starting XI that can secure maximum points.
Afrik-Foot predicts how South Africa are likely to lineup in Abidjan.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
The Bafana captain’s place is assured and after largely going untested against Lesotho, he will be required to be up to the task to keep out the likes of Steve Mounie and Dodo Dokou.
Right-back: Khuliso Mudau
The Mamelodi Sundowns right-back will keep his place as he offers defensive cover and pace going forward as well as plenty of experience
Left-back: Fawaaz Basadien
The Stellenbosch defender impressed against Lesotho and with limited options for Broos in this position, he will be in the starting XI.
Central defence: Siyabonga Ngezana
Untested on Friday, the FCSB defender will have some work against Benin but he has the quality and experience to deal with it.
Central defence: Nkosinathi Sibisi
The Orlando Pirates centre-back got the nod over Grant Kekana on Friday and after a good outing, there is no reason for Broos to change.
Central midfield: Teboho Mokoena
Ever present, the Mamelodi Sundowns man will be called upon yet again to shield the defence and deliver from set-pieces. He was rested early on Friday with an eye on Tuesday’s game.
Central midfield: Thalente Mbatha
With Benin set to offer a more attacking threat than Lesotho, there will be need for enough cover in midfield and the Pirates man will likely be called upon.
Attacking midfield: Jayden Adams
Scored the second goal on Friday on his first start for the national team and will keep his place but likely to be pushed further forward to help open up the Benin defence.
Right wing: Elias Mokwana
The Esperance forward was a menace against Lesotho, providing a great assist to Relebohile Mofokeng for the first goal, and more will be expected in Abidjan on Tuesday.
Left wing: Relebohile Mofokeng
Man of the Match on Friday after a goal and assist, the Pirates starlet has made himself undroppable and will give the Benin defence plenty of problems.
Centre-forward: Iqraam Rayners
The Sundowns striker is highly favoured to play against the more physical Benin as he has the qualities to deal with the big men that Gernot Rohr will deploy in defence
