by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Otto Addo Backs Experienced Duo to Lead Team in Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
With the roar of the Accra Sports Stadium set to echo across the city, Ghana’s Black Stars are gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Chad. At the heart of the team’s preparations, head coach Otto Addo has placed his trust in two of Ghana’s most seasoned players—Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew—to guide the squad to victory.
Speaking ahead of the match, Addo emphasized the importance of leadership and experience in his squad. “Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew are good players in our squad. They know their roles, and they have to lead our team,” he stated. “We have spoken a lot, and both are very ready. So I’m looking forward to them combining and leading the team.”
With the match set for a 7 PM kickoff at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, all eyes will be on Partey and Ayew as they aim to inspire Ghana to a vital win. The Black Stars are also set to face Madagascar during the March international break, making this a defining period in their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Thabo Moloisane is on the brink of a dream come true. The 26-year-old Stellenbosch FC defender has earned his first call-up to the Bafana Bafana senior squad and is eager to make an impact as South Africa takes on Lesotho and Benin in crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Moloisane, who played a pivotal role in Stellenbosch’s CAF Confederation Cup journey, believes his continental experience has primed him for the demands of international football.
“Going to the national team with the experience of playing in CAF competitions gives you an idea of what to expect at this level. It prepares you mentally and physically, helping you understand the level of intensity required,” said Moloisane, reflecting on his journey.
A former South Africa U-20 international, Moloisane featured in all 10 matches as Stellies advanced to the Confederation Cup quarterfinals, where they are set to face Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek. The first leg is set for April 2 at Cape Town Stadium, with the return leg in Cairo a week later.
Despite his impressive performances, Moloisane is unlikely to start in the upcoming qualifiers, with the experienced duo of Siyabonga Ngezana and Grant Kekana expected to marshal the defense. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about learning and growing within the squad.
Another fresh face in the Bafana camp is Cape Town City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule, who was a last-minute replacement for the injured Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi of Orlando Pirates. Expressing his excitement, Maphangule said, “I’m grateful for this opportunity. I’ve been waiting for my chance, and now I want to show that anything is possible—even if you play for a team like Polokwane City, you can still make it to Bafana.”
Meanwhile, a squad change saw Mamelodi Sundowns’ left-back Aubrey Modiba excused following the birth of his child. His place has been taken by 21-year-old Sekhukhune United defender Vuyo Letlapa, who will be looking to make his mark in the national setup.
With high expectations surrounding the squad, all eyes will be on Bafana as they host Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday at 6 PM, before traveling to Abidjan for their fixture against Benin next Tuesday. For Moloisane and the other newcomers, this is more than just a call-up—it’s an opportunity to stake their claim for a permanent place in the team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Polokwane, South Africa – The stage is set at Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Bafana Bafana will battle Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night. With the chance to top Group C ahead of Rwanda, Hugo Broos’ side must overcome both their opponents and the disruptions caused by last-minute squad changes.
Injuries forced Broos to reshuffle his squad, replacing Patrick Maswanganyi, Rushwin Dortley, and Aubrey Modiba with Thabo Moloisane, Ndamulelo Maphangule, and young defender Vuyo Letlapa. Despite these setbacks, South Africa remains confident, with five key players expected to lead the charge.
The Five Warriors to Watch:
1. Ronwen Williams – The Wall in Goal
After returning from injury for Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams is ready to guard Bafana’s net. His world-class reflexes will be crucial in keeping Lesotho at bay.
2. Grant Kekana – The Defensive Rock
A pillar at Sundowns, Kekana has been a model of consistency. He is likely to form a defensive partnership with Siyabonga Ngezana, creating a formidable backline.
3. Teboho Mokoena – The Midfield General
Mokoena has dominated the central defensive midfield role for both club and country. Expect him to control the tempo and disrupt Lesotho’s attacks.
4. Percy Tau – The Magic Man
Back from Qatar SC, Tau is set to add flair to the attack. His combination with Lyle Foster, Elias Mokwana, or Iqraam Rayners could prove decisive.
5. Lyle Foster – The Goal Hunter
When fit, the Burnley striker is Broos’ go-to man up front. His ability to find the net could be the difference in this must-win clash.
With their World Cup dreams on the line, Bafana Bafana must rise to the occasion. Will these five warriors lead them to victory?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the sun sets over Polokwane, the anticipation builds. Bafana Bafana stand on the cusp of something great—a decisive push toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The journey continues this weekend, with Lesotho and Benin standing in their way.
Unbeaten at home since Hugo Broos took charge in 2021, the national team carries the hopes of millions. The memories of their AFCON bronze triumph in Ivory Coast still linger, a testament to their resurgence. Now, with a blend of experienced stars like Percy Tau—who is looking to rediscover his form—and fresh faces like Vuyo Letlapa and Ndamulelo Maphangule, Bafana’s squad looks well-equipped for the challenge ahead.
Lesotho and Benin may not be continental heavyweights, but they are not to be underestimated. With World Cup dreams of their own, they will be eager to test South Africa’s resolve. Yet, the belief in Broos and his team remains steadfast. South Africans have learned to trust again, and this FIFA week, Bafana have the chance to repay that faith with two crucial victories.
The road to North America is long, but the path is clear. Bafana Bafana, the nation is behind you—bring us joy once more!
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Bafana Bafana prepare to face Lesotho in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow evening, former national team defender David Kannemeyer has urged caution.
Kannemeyer, who was part of the Bafana squad that suffered a shocking defeat to Lesotho in a friendly back in March 2001, reminded Hugo Broos’ men not to take their opponents lightly.
“There’s no easy game in World Cup qualifiers. We underestimated them back then, and it cost us. Bafana must not repeat the same mistake,” he told Sowetan yesterday.
Despite missing key defenders Aubrey Modiba and Rushwin Dortley, Kannemeyer believes the team has enough depth to compete at the highest level. He pointed out that players like Fawaaz Basadien could fill in at left-back, while Broos has several options in central defense.
Meanwhile, the return of Lyle Foster and Percy Tau adds firepower to the squad after their absence in the last international window.
Currently, Bafana sit second in Group C with seven points—level with leaders Rwanda but trailing on goal difference. After facing Lesotho, they will head to Abidjan next Tuesday for another critical clash against Benin.
