OMDURMAN-South Africa's quest to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations begins today evening when they face Group A rivals Sudan in Omdurman at the El Merreikh Stadium.
Friday
Group ASudan vs South Africa 7pm SS3
Group G Senegal vs Egypt 10pm SS3
OMDURMAN-South Africa’s quest to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations begins today evening when they face Group A rivals Sudan in Omdurman at the El Merreikh Stadium.
Afcon logo.
The match will also mark Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba’s first crucial game since being appointed the Bafana Bafana new coach in July.
Mashaba has picked a youthful, inexperienced squad for the match against Sudan and reigning African champions Nigeria, which takes place next midweek.
However, the squad has been hit by a few withdrawals, with the loss of first choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune a particularly severe blow.
Bafana and Sudan have never met before in senior competition. The North-East African reached the quarterfinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, but did not qualify for the 2013 tournament hosted in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Egypt will start their qualifying campaign with a double header against Senegal and Tunisia on September 5th and 10th respectively.
South Africa’s quest to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations begins on Friday against Sudan. (Internet photo)
The Pharaohs had missed the last two editions of the continental showpiece after winning the titles for three times in a row between 2006 and 2010, solidifying their record winning feat with seven titles.
The Pharaohs are in group G alongside Senegal, Tunisia and Botswana. Winners and the runners-up of the seven groups qualify automatically for the finals in Morocco alongside the best third placed team.