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Zungu backs Bafana depth

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana midfielder Bongani Zungu has backed the likes of Kamohelo Mokotjo and Dean Furman to fill the void left by Andile Jali.

Jali received his marching orders after a second yellow card against Angola in their 3-1 drubbing of the Sable Antelopes.

The Belgium-based midfielder was sent-off after netting his penalty to give Bafana a comfortable lead heading into the second-leg.

Jali, who has since been released by Shakes Mashaba from the rest of the squad, formed a formidable partnership in middle of the park alongside Zungu.

“We are very fortunate in the national team to have quality players in every position,” said Zungu.

“Yes, we will miss Andile but with the midfielders we have - the likes of Kamohelo Mokotjo and Dean Furman - any of them will do a great job on the day should they be given a chance.”

After a 15-hour journey on Saturday, November 14 from Benguela in Angola, Bafana Bafana settled down at their hotel in Durban.

South Africa, travelling together with Angola, flew from Benguela to Luanda in Angola, then took another flight to Johannesburg before heading to the coastal city late at night.

“We are very prepared for the second-leg, we know what to expect and we know what is expected of us.

“We want to go there, play entertaining football and win the game. We have to be very careful in our play and not just go out haphazardly but ensure that we protect our lead.

“It was important to get that win in Angola as it will serve as good motivation for the second-leg, now we just need to continue where we left off,” added Zungu.

Meanwhile, defenders Rivaldo Coetzee (wrist sprain) and Anele Ngcongca (ankle sprain) were assessed at the squad’s training session at People’s Park on Sunday.

Coetzee managed to complete the training without any discomfort while Ngcongca sat out the session as he was feeling pain.

It is still not clear whether he will be able to train with the squad at their final session on Monday, November 16 at the match venue.

The second-leg clash will be played on Tuesday, November 17 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off is at 19:00.

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