Thulani Hlatshwayo will captain Bafana Bafana’s starting XI in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania on Friday.

Coach Shakes Mashaba has made five changes to the side that dominated Gambia in their penultimate qualifier, a game they won 4-0 back in June, confirms Safa.net.

One of those is the enforced absence of star wing Keagan Dolly, who has been ruled out of the tie following a hamstring injury. Centre back Eric Mathoho is also injured, while regular partner Rivaldo Coetzee has been ruled out due to illness. Finally, Mpho Makola and Maphosa Modiba come into the side’s midfield.

The match will take place at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Kick-off is at 19:05.

South Africa starting XI
Itumeleng Khune, Abbubaker Mobara, Tebogo Langerman, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thulani Hlatshwayo (c), Andile Jali, Hlompho Kekana, Mpho Makola, Maphosa Modiba, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thamsanqa Gabuza.
Subs: Jackson Mabokgwane, Clayton Daniels, Dean Furman, Mandla Masango, Tokelo Rantie, Gift Motupa, Sifiso Hlanti.