Trouble ahead of Kenya clashes! Two Bafana Bafana defenders on the brink of suspension
Bafana Bafana face a disciplinary headache that could seriously complicate their upcoming matches against Kenya.
Details: South Africa will host Kenya on Friday, November 13, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg in their third 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. However, two central defenders, Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya, are already walking a disciplinary tightrope. Both have received one yellow card, meaning another booking would automatically rule them out of the next qualifier.
Okon received his caution for a foul during South Africa's opening Group D victory over Guinea, which ended 2-1. Thapelo Maseko was also booked in that encounter. Makhanya then picked up a yellow card during the first half of the 5-0 triumph over Eritrea.
According to Article 42.1 of CAF's Africa Cup of Nations regulations, a player who accumulates two yellow cards during qualifying must serve an automatic one-match suspension. Consequently, another caution against Kenya would rule either defender out of the return fixture in Nairobi on November 17.
Fortunately for Pitso Mosimane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned to the national team and provides another option in central defence. Lebone Seema is also available. Meanwhile, Maseko is absent from the latest squad due to injury.
It's worth noting that South Africa lead Group D with six points after defeating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0. Kenya have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, meaning only the highest-placed team other than Kenya in the group can secure another ticket to the tournament.
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Steven Perez
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