Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 5y

Familiar foe but an unfamiliar opponent for many in Bafana squad

It is a sign of the injury crisis and the rapid evolution of the South African national side that just nine of their 23-man squad have ever faced Nigeria before in an international fixture - and of those only three have played the Super Eagles more than once.

With stalwarts Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly and Sibusiso Vilakazi all missing through injury, facing Bafana Bafana's traditional arch-nemesis will be a novel occasion for many of their team.

Injuries aside, the fresh blood that coach Stuart Baxter has also tried to introduce to the national team during his tenure having also shed experience but, he hopes, added energy and hunger.

Only four of the players that started the 2-0 victory in Uyo in June last year are likely to feature again in Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the FNB Stadium - goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, defenders Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thulani Hlatshwayo, and midfielder Themba Zwane.

Others, such as Mulomowandau Mathoho, Tebogo Langerman and Tokelo Rantie have seen their national team careers possibly ended, or at best put on hold, as Baxter sweeps through with a new broom.

For his part, Baxter says he has nearly finalised his starting XI for Saturday's crunch match.

KweséESPN looks at the members of the current Bafana Bafana squad who have faced Nigeria before and their record.

ITUMELENG KHUNE

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 90

Matches against Nigeria:

6/9/08 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-1 - World Cup group four qualifier

14/8/13 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-2 - Friendly international

29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 - Friendly international

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

DARREN KEET

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 8

Match against Nigeria:

19/11/14 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-2 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

THULANI HLATSHWAYO

Position: Defender

Caps: 37

Matches against Nigeria:

14/8/13 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-2 - Friendly international

10/9/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 - Friendly international

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

RAMAHLWE MPHAHLELE

Position: Defender

Caps: 15

Match against Nigeria:

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

HLOMPHO KEKANA

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 25

Match against Nigeria:

19/1/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-3 - African Nations Championship finals

TIYANI MABUNDA

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 6

Match against Nigeria:

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

THULANI SERERO

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 37

Match against Nigeria:

29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 - Friendly international

THEMBA ZWANE

Position: Midfielder

Caps: 16

Matches against Nigeria:

10/9/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

PERCY TAU

Position: Striker

Caps: 15

Match against Nigeria:

10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 - Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

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