Bafana Bafana face a tricky Algeria test in the FIFA Series Friendly


By Neo Poho

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos expressed his admiration for the performance of his revamped squad during their 1-1 draw with Andorra, highlighting that he intends to field a more experienced lineup for their upcoming international friendly against Algeria at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday the 26th of March 2024.

Players like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Grant Kekana, and Themba Zwane are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested for the match against Andorra.

These friendlies are part of the FIFA-organised series of international matches, and with Algeria securing a 3-2 victory over Bolivia, Broos may opt for his seasoned players for the upcoming match.

Bafana made significant changes in their lineup during the Andorra draw in Annaba, providing opportunities for players like Ricardo Goss, Patrick Maswanganyi, Khanyisa Mayo, Thapelo Xoki, Elias Mokwana, and Mondi Mbanjwa to start.

"We will make several changes because upon reviewing both games, I believe it was the best opportunity to give those young players a chance to play last Thursday, however, when comparing Andorra with Algeria, there's a noticeable difference in quality.

Therefore, we need to field our strongest team on Tuesday and avoid experimenting again because it will be a completely different lineup, and players who were rested on Thursday will be fresh for the match, and we will need them,"
Broos said.

Despite Algeria's disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance in Ivory Coast earlier this year, where they were eliminated in the first round, they are expected to provide good preparation for Bafana Bafana ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June.

While Algeria is missing captain Riyad Mahrez, they still have numerous overseas-based players who will challenge Bafana Bafana and help them prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

Broos is also eager to see his players convert their chances, having missed several opportunities against Andorra last week Thursday.

"We will see about Iqraam Rayners on Tuesday whether he will play or not however, everyone must understand that international games are a level or two higher than the PSL, and scoring isn't easy.

But on the other hand, we must acknowledge that three strikers, namely Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, and Lebo Mothiba, are absent and I am hopeful that Foster and Mothiba will be ready in June because those matches are crucial, and we have already demonstrated in AFCON that we can score,"
Broos added.

In their previous encounters, Bafana Bafana and Algeria have each secured one victory, with the other two matches ending in draws.

Article Tags

Football

Bafana Bafana

Hugo Broos

Algeria

FIFA Series

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