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Johannesburg - Dean Furman has been handed the captain's armband for Bafana Bafana's opening Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Algeria in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, on Monday night.
Coach Shakes Mashaba announced his team on the morning of Bafana's mammoth clash against the continent's top-ranked team, naming a formidable outfit dominated by players who took part during the qualification campaign.
Mashaba is without Kaizer Chiefs pair of Eric Mathoho and Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who are both suspended.
Rivaldo Coetzee and Tokelo Rantie passed fitness tests after shaking off niggling injuries, while Bernard Parker, also an injury concern, starts on the bench.
Coetzee is joined by Thulani Hlatshwayo in the heart of the defence, with Anele Ngcongca and Thabo Matlaba starting on the right and left respectively, while Darren Keet starts in goal.
Furman is once again partnered with Andile Jali in the middle of the park, with Thuso Phala and Oupa Manyisa on the flanks.
Sibusiso Vilakazi and Rantie start upfront.
In all, five players - Keet, Coetzee, Hlatshwayo, Jali and Vilakazi - will make their Cup of Nations debuts.
The match kicks-off at 9pm (SA time).
South Africa: Darren Keet, Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Dean Furman, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thuso Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tokelo Rantie.
Replacements: Jackson Mabokgwane, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Ayanda Gcaba, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Themba Zwane, Mandla Masango, Bongani Zungu, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Bongani Ndulula.
