South African Football Association (Johannesburg)
3 December 2011
Central defender Eric “Tower” Mathoho and central midfielder Thami Sangweni are back in the starting line up of the South African Under 23 National Team for the crucial Group B fixture in the CAF Under 23 Championship in Morocco. The match will be played tonight (Saturday, 3 December 2011). The duo return to the team after missing South Africa’s clash against Gabon on Wednesday due to injury and suspension respectively.
South Africa’s head coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba has reshuffled his defence, pairing Mathoho with Thulani Hlatshwayo in the heart of the defence, captain Sibusiso Mxoyana is at left back while Gladwin Shitolo occupies the right back position. Brilliant Khuzwayo remains in goals.
Phumelele Bhengu moves from right back to play forward.
South Africa Starting Line Up:
1.
Brilliant Khuzwayo
2.
Gladwin Shitolo
3.
Sibusiso Mxoyana
4.
Thulani Hlatshwayo
5.
Erick Mathoho
6.
Thandani Ntshumayelo
7.
Sameehg Doutie
8.
Thami Sangweni
9.
Phumelele “Ace” Bhengu
10.
Mandla Masango
11.
Chris Flandorp
The South Africa versus Egypt match will kick off at 21h00 South African time and will be played at the Marrakech Stadium. The other Group B match in Tangiers between Gabon and Cote d’Ivoire kicks off at the same time. The two top teams in Group B will join Group A winners, hosts Morocco and Senegal, in the semi-finals.
Cote d’ Voire leads Group B with four points followed by Egypt with three points. South Africa occupies third position with two points and Gabon are on position four with just one point.
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