The SuperSport United defender says that injuries to Moeneeb Josephs, Tlou Segolela as well as Steven Pienaar, Kagiso Dikgacoi, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Davide Somma have shaken the side and they expect a battle in Niamey on Sunday.
Striker Katlego Mphela is also a doubt after he limped out of training on Wednesday.
He said: "It's unfortunate that injuries do happen, and yes, we are a bit shaken by that, but we have a big squad and I believe we still have the ammunition to do what we have to do in Niamey.
"They (Niger) should be very physical because we know that they fight for everything.
"They will aim for three points on their home ground, and mentally and physically we know they are up to it.
"Maybe we need to speak to the team doctor to get us some gum guards because we are going there to fight and could come back with scars.
"I don't mind coming back with scars as long we would have done the job."
Bafana have been preparing for the clash by watching Niger in action, in their last two matches against Sierra Leone and Egypt. Niger won both those games and looked a far sterner test that the side they beat 2-0 in the first group match in Nelspruit last year.
Gould added: "When we played them they didn't look too good, but we watched a couple of their tapes and on their home ground they get the results.
"I think we will have to compete with them aerially. In every challenge we will need to be united and stand by each other."
Bafana will qualify for the 2012 AFCON if they beat Niger and Sierra Leone either draw or lose to Egypt. Their final game is at home to Sierra Leone in Port Elizabeth in October, with Niger playing Egypt on the same weekend.