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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana suffered a triple injury blow ahead of the return leg of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Cameroon on Tuesday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Kick-off is at 19:00.
Team doctor Thulani Ngwenya told the media on Monday that the trio of Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba and Darren Keet would not be part of the match as a result.
Ngcongca, the second most capped player in the squad, picked up a calf strain the 2-2 draw against Cameroon on Saturday. The FC Troyes defender lasted only 45 minutes in the first leg against Cameroon and was replaced by Rivaldo Coetzee of Ajax Cape Town.
Matlaba played a key role in Cameroon in the Bafana defence while occasionally going forward to assist in attack. He sustained a concussion during the match but soldiered on until the end. Matlaba has vast experience playing on the continent with Orlando Pirates and his absence will no doubt be felt on Tuesday.
Belgium based goalkeeper Keet was on the bench in the first leg as Itumeleng Khune retained the No 1 spot. He will not play any further part due to a stomach bug which struck late on Monday.
These are the only injury concerns for Bafana but coach Shakes Mashaba should have enough cover to fill the void.
Bafana are five points behind Cameroon with three matches left to play. Only the winner of the group is assured of their spot at next year's tournament, along with the best two runners-up, meaning should Bafana lose on Tuesday, they will face an uphill task to qualify for Gabon.
