Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter is anticipating a ‘tactical battle’ against Morocco in their final Group D game at the Africa Cup of Nations, which will undoubtedly affect his starting lineup. DEAN WORKMAN explores.
Baxter made a number of changes after his side’s 1-0 opening game loss against Ivory Coast as Darren Keet replaced Ronwen Williams in goal, while midfielder duo Kamohelo Mokotjo and Dean Furman made way for Bongani Zungu and Hlompho Kekana. Baxter’s fourth change had Sibusiso Vilakazi come in for his Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Lebohang Maboe as Bafana went on to clinch a tight 1-0 win over Namibia.
Furman was injured for the clash while the rest of the changes were tactical, according to Baxter.
‘We changed some players; Dean Furman was injured, so he would not play and then we were really trying to balance our midfield play by having Bongani [Zungu] and Hlompho Kekana and we gave Kamohelo Mokotjo a rest,’ Baxter told the Safa website in the build-p to the Morocco clash.
‘On Darren Keet, we decided before the Ivory Coast game that he will play this game. We thought this game suits him and Sibusiso Vilakazi played because I thought he did well when he came in the Ivory Coast game.’
The Bafana coach could look to make further changes as he anticipates a tight battle.
Back to business for Bafana Bafana pic.twitter.com/aBRpoLtLDu
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 29, 2019
‘So, we changed the team because we thought it was proper for this opponent, and I can’t promise I am not going to change the team for the last game because the last game is going to be a tactical duel.
‘It is going to be one where we have to really, really work hard, and some fresh legs would be a good choice,’ concluded Baxter.
After Baxter’s pre-match comments it would not be surprising to see Furman and Mokotjo reclaim their roles in the heart of the midfield. Baxter could also turn to someone different in the attacking midfield roles, such as Thembinkhosi Lorch or Thulani Serero.
Predicted Bafana starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Darren Keet
RB: Thami Mkhize
CB: Thulani Hlatshwayo
CB: Buhle Mkhwanazi
LB: Sfiso Hlanti
CM: Dean Furman
CM: Kamohelo Mokotjo
RAM: Themba Zwane
CAM: Thulani Serero
LAM: Percy Tau
ST: Lebo Mothiba
