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Afcon 2023: Defence key to Bafana Bafana's semi-final hopes as Hugo Broos searches for second continental trophy

Africa Cup of Nations Qualification

South Africa

Congo

Botswana

Cape Verde

Grant Kekana was never seen as a starter for Bafana, but after Siyanda Xulu's shakiness in the opening game against Mali, the former rose to the occasion when called upon. His combination with Mothobi Mvala will be key and these two will need to be clinical against the tricky opponents.

Brave warrior

Mvala brings a lot of stability in Bafana's rear guard, but he is sometimes prone to error as he has picked up a couple of red cards at club level. However, 'Lord', as he is nicknamed, will need to be disciplined and play the role of the destroyer and form an unshakable force alongside Kekana.

The Lord's work

Sphephelo 'Yaya' Sithole has been doing the dirty work for players Themba Zwane and Percy Tau, allowing them to shine. Sithole's defensive prowess has allowed Teboho Mokoena some freedom to make advances and join in on the attack.

Sithole's pivotal role

Mokoena is the one who usually links up defence and attack, serving as the bridge between the two positions. However, he may need to increase his defensive work rate to assist 'Yaya' and form a solid unit in front of Kekana and Mvala.

Bafana's bridge

Broos has opted to go with the pacey Khuliso Mudau ahead of Nyiko Mobbie, who he has fielded quite a number of times. On the left flank, Aubrey Modiba, who also has a clean pair of heels, will be ready to chase whenever needed. This will work well for Bafana as they go up against a fast Cape Verde attack.

The wing backs

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/africa-cup-of-nations/68zplepppndhl8bfdvgy9vgu1" target="_blank">GOAL's Afcon hub</a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/evidence-makgopa-teboho-mokoena-percy-tau-and-hugo-broos-bafana-bafana-pillars-at-the-2023-africa-cup-of-nations/blt440a3c24f8643334" target="_blank">Broos' tasty Bafana recipe</a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/predicting-bafana-bafana-s-starting-xi-to-face-cape-verde-thapelo-maseko-to-start-ahead-of-percy-tau/blte30af3030a31ab1d" target="_blank">Bafana's predicted XI against Cape Verde</a>

More on Afcon

Afcon 2023: Defence key to Bafana Bafana's semi-final hopes as Hugo Broos searches for second continental trophy | Goal.com South Africa

GOAL looks at Hugo Broos&apos; Bafana Bafana defensive pillars who could potentially win him the game against Cape Verde.