THERE will be more than usual local interest when South Africa take on Ghana in a must win Afcon Group C decider tonight (kick-off 8pm).
Coach Shakes Mashaba has rung the changes, with four new faces in the starting line-up, including former Thanda Royal Zulu goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo – the third stopper to be used in the tournament.
Khuzwayo will have to be on top form to keep out the powerful Ghanaian strikers and at the same the pressure is on Bafana to take the attack to their opponents.
Only a win will suffice and on this occasion a draw is ironically ‘pointless’.
Defender Rivaldo Coetzee, who was injured in the first match against Algeria, replaces the injured Thulani Hlatshwayo at the centre of the defence while Mandla Masango ousts Oupa Manyisa in midfield.
Up front, our hopes will be pinned on Tokelo Rantie and Bongani Ndulula to put the ball in the back of the net.
Sibusiso Vilakazi has been relegated to the bench to make way for Ndulula.
Bafana Bafana will not only have to beat Ghana tonight but will also rely on Senegal overcoming Algeria if they are to advance beyond the Afcon group stages.
South Africa: Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Eric Mathoho, Dean Furman (C), Andile Jali, Mandla Masango, Thuso Phala, Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula.
Substitutes: Darren Keet (GK), Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), Ayanda Gcaba, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Themba Zwane, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Bongani Zungu, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Sibusiso Vilakazi.
