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Kekana to miss Senegal clash due to family tragedy

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana midfielder Hlompho Kekana is set to miss the crunch 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier against Senegal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday due to a family tragedy.

According to reports, Kekana was granted permission to leave the camp in Polokwane after news that his mother-in-law passed away in a car accident on Monday night with his two-year-old daughter also in the car.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda has been called up to the squad as a replacement.

It's a second blow to coach Stuart Baxter who might be without the services of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune after he suffered a facial fracture in a Telkom Knockout clash at the weekend.

Bafana Bafana team medic, Dr Thulani Ngwenya said he is still hopeful regarding the injury to Khune who might have to wear a protective mask to play.

Meanwhile, Baxter said it was frustrating for players to arrive in camp in dribs and drabs but believed his side has what it takes to garner all three points on Friday evening. The coach said while he understands the logistic nightmare of travelling on the continent because of the vast geographical set up of Africa, he asked players to be professional enough and proactive by reporting for duty on time.

A total of 18 players reported for camp on Monday and travelled to Polokwane while Chiefs and five overseas players were expected to be in camp on Tuesday morning.

The five overseas players still to report for duty are Dino Ndlovu, Andile Jali, Thulani Serero, Lebogang Manyama and Keagan Dolly.

Bafana need to beat Senegal on Friday and then win again in their return fixture next Tuesday in Senegal in order to book their place in Russia next year, while a single point for Senegal should be enough to guarantee their qualification.

Kick-off is at 19:00.

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