Matlaba out of Congo clash

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana will be without Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba for Wednesday's crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville.

According to Bafana's media officer, Matlhomola Morake, who revealed the news on Wednesday via Twitter, Matlaba had been ruled out after he was named in Shakes Mashaba's starting line-up for a fourth successive game.

"Matlaba sustained an Achilles tendon injury at training. Failed late fitness test this morning," Morake's tweet read.

SuperSport United left-back Sibusiso Khumalo replaces Matlaba for his first appearance of the qualifying campaign.

Siyabonga Nhlapo, who was called up for the injured Anele Ngcongca before the team travelled to Point-Noire last week, comes into the match-day squad to replace Khumalo on the bench.

Mashaba had originally named an unchanged team from the one which beat Congo in Pointe-Noire four days ago, before Matlaba's failed fitness test on Wednesday.

Bafana Bafana starting XI: 

Senzo Meyiwa (captain), Sibusiso Khumalo, Eric Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman, Andile Jali, Mandla Masango, Thulani Serero, Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula.

Substitutes

Darren Keet, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tefu Mashamaite, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Kermit Erasmus.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:05.