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Coetzee handed Bafana start

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has named a largely unchanged starting eleven for the 2015 AFCON qualifier against Congo on Saturday.

Mashaba has opted to hand 17-year-old defender Rivaldo Coetzee his debut for the crucial match against Group A leaders Congo in Point Noire.

The Ajax Cape Town central defender Coetzee will become the youngest ever player to start for Bafana Bafana. He will replace Aaron Mokoena in the history books, Mokoena was 18-years-old when he made his first start for the national team.

In another minor suprise, Mashaba has decided against rotating the captains armband which means that Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa will again lead the national side.

Thulani Serero also makes a return to the line-up where he will partner Andile Jali and Dean Furman in the midfield. The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder was left out of the squad for side's two opening matches against Sudan and Nigeria in September.

The match kick-off at 16:30.

Bafana Starting XI: 

Senzo Meyiwa (c), Thabo Matlaba, Eric Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman, Andile Jali, Mandla Masango, Thulani Serero, Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula

Reserves: Darren Keet, Sibusiso Khumalo, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tefu Mashamaite, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Kermit Erasmus

Follow Sport24's LIVE and interactive match commentary for this vital Group A AFCON 2015 qualifying match!

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