Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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29.02. (Wed) 19:30 South Africa - Senegal

South Africa celebrate a goal
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS


SOUTH AFRICA


Khune
Gaxa, Gould, Khumalo, Masilela
Dikgacoi, Pienaar, Modise
SereroNontshinga, Mphela

SENEGAL


CoundoulMbengue, Souare, Mangane, Faty
Diame, Ndiaye, Gueye, Kouyate
Ndoye, Cisse

Senegal interim coaches Karim Sega Diouf and Aliou Cisse face an interesting task in the form of a friendly match against South Africa in Durban on February 29, with a number of high-profile players missing out. Newcastle United top scorer Demba Ba, Fenerbahce's new signing Moussa Sow, as well as former Marseille ace Mamadou Niang are among those not taking part in the clash against Bafana Bafana.
South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has named a squad of 23 players for the match against the Teranga Lions, which is meant to be used as preparation for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers that are set to begin in June this year.
The trainer did not include any Orlando Pirates players in his squad, as they will be taking on Recreativo do Libolo in Angola for the second leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round match three days after the international friendly, but captain Steven Pienaar makes a return to the side, while goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is also available after having recovered from injury.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • South Africa were not present at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament after they failed to qualify.
  • Bafana will be the home team when the country hosts the 2013 Afcon, which is why they are playing this friendly match while other teams are taking part in qualifiers.
  • The South Africans have recently drawn against Ghana, Zambia and Cote d'Ivoire in friendly internationals and practice matches held in the country.
  • Senegal failed miserably at the 2012 Afcon, despite being considered a favourite for the title before the tournament started.
  • The Teranga Lions hold the record, along with Ghana and Cameroon, for reaching the quarter-finals of a World Cup, which is the furthest an African national team has progressed thus far.
  • The Senegalese placed Karim Sega Diouf and Aliou Cisse in charge of the team after Amara Traore was sacked due to the team's poor showing in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Prediction
Both sides have a great deal to prove to their fans, and a score draw would be a possible ending to an entertaining encounter.
Editor's Prediction
South Africa 2-2 Senegal