Bafana will host Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 18 November 2023, and travel to East-Central Africa to face Rwanda on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. Broos is optimistic about launching a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

Striker Lyle Foster has been left out of the squad, with Broos attributing his exclusion to a medical issue.

“I spoke to the doctor of the club and to the coach, and they asked me to be discreet about it. Lyle is a good player and has progressed a lot in the last year,” he said.

“He did very well also in the English Premier League with Burnley and already scored three times this season. This is the kind of player you always want in your team, certainly when those important games are coming up. But it is what it is, and we cannot change it. We hope he will recover as soon as possible.”

The squad is set to commence their training camp at the University of Pretoria on Monday, 13 November and will travel to Durban on Friday, 17 November.

Following their match against Benin in the coastal city, the team will proceed to Rwanda and make their way back to South Africa on 22 November.

BAFANA BAFANA FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu FC), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)

DEFENDERS
Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United), Bradley Cross (Golden Arrows), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)

MIDFIELDERS
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)

FORWARDS
Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Lebo Mothiba (RC Strasbourg), Bongokhule Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City).

The Reds found themselves in a tough spot with two highly debated red cards. Curtis Jones was the first to see red, sent off after just 26 minutes for a challenge on Yves Bissouma, following a VAR review.

Shortly before halftime, substitute Diogo Jota joined him in the dressing room after receiving two quick bookings.

Amidst a game filled with controversy, Liverpool had what seemed to be a legitimate opening goal by Luis Diaz disallowed due to a questionable VAR decision.

The officials ruled Diaz offside without displaying the customary offside line graphics. The PGMOL later acknowledged a “significant human error” and deemed the decision to disallow Diaz’s goal as a “clear and obvious factual error”.

They expressed that VAR should have intervened but failed to do so, promising a “full review” to understand the lapse.

Captain Son Heung-min then put Spurs ahead with a well-taken goal, receiving a pass from Richarlison after an impressive move orchestrated by summer signing James Maddison.

However, Liverpool managed to level the score just before halftime, as Cody Gakpo netted the equalizer with a smart turn and finish from Virgil van Dijk’s header down.

Unfortunately, van Dijk sustained an injury during the act and didn’t return for the second half.
In the second half, Spurs had the better of the chances, with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson making outstanding saves to keep his team in the game, denying Maddison and Son on multiple occasions.

It appeared that Liverpool’s resolute defense would secure them a hard-fought draw, but the dramatic climax was yet to unfold.

In the dying moments of the match, as Spurs launched a final attack, Joel Matip inadvertently directed Pedro Porro’s cross into his own net, leaving Alisson helpless.

This dramatic turn of events sparked jubilation and relief among the home supporters, handing Liverpool their first defeat of the season and preserving manager Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten Premier League record.

Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek, who were on the brink of elimination by Djibouti’s Arta Solar, displayed their championship calibre with a hard-fought 4-1 victory.

This narrow win brought the aggregate scoreline to 4-3 in Zamalek’s favour, securing their place in the competition’s group stage.

The 2019 champions had experienced a shocking 2-0 defeat in the first leg and faced disappointment as Arta Solar took the lead in Cairo.

However, Zamalek, drawing on their championship pedigree, persevered and scored four impressive goals, sending their fans into raptures in a dramatic encounter.

Sierra Leone’s Kallon FC had an unfortunate exit from the competition as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Ghana’s Dreams FC, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate defeat.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Afad Djekanou suffered a disheartening 2-0 loss at home to Guinea’s CO Coyah, leading to their elimination from the competition as CO Coyah advanced with a 3-2 aggregate score.

In Rwanda, Rayon Sports also bid farewell to the competition in front of their home fans after playing to a 1-1 draw against Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi.

The deadlock forced the two teams to determine the winner through a penalty shootout, following a similar scoreline in the first leg.

The weekend’s closing fixtures will wrap up on Sunday, promising more thrilling African football action with some of the continent’s top teams in action.

Caf Confederations Cup Fixtures
Sunday, 1 October
Saint Eloi Lupopo vs Sekhukhune United
Club Africain vs Bahir Dar Kenema
Rivers United vs Etoile Filante
Future FC vs Singida Fountain Gate
Academica do Lobito vs Al Merreikh
USM Alger vs FUS Rabat

Scheduled to kick off on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the AFL’s opening match will showcase Simba SC from Tanzania facing off against Al Ahly SC from Egypt.

The Prize Money for the AFL is as follows:
$4 000 000 (R75 Million) for the Winner
$3 000 000 (R56 Million) for the Runner-up
$1 700 000 (R32 Million) for each of the Semi-finalists
$1 000 000 (R18.9 Million) for each of the Quarter-finalists

The prize money at stake is remarkably attractive and competitive, with the winners needing just six matches to claim the substantial prize pool of $4,000,000.

Among the notable and top-ranking football clubs participating in this inaugural AFL edition are Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Wydad AC (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Atletico Petroleos de Luanda (Angola).

The AFL represents a collaborative effort between CAF and FIFA. One of its primary objectives is to elevate the quality of African club football to a global competitive level and ensure the commercial viability of African football clubs.

Additionally, the AFL aims to foster the development and nurturing of youth football talent across the African continent.
CAF’s overarching goal is to ensure that all 54 CAF Member Associations, including those without representation in the AFL, benefit and receive financial support from the commercial success and viability of this prestigious tournament

The champions’ perfect Premier League record was halted at Molineux, where Hwang Hee-chan netted a second-half winner, securing an unexpected victory for Wolves.

Guardiola, who was serving a one-match touchline ban and had to watch from the stands, couldn’t intervene as his team struggled to assert their usual dominance, and the prolific striker Erling Haaland had limited scoring opportunities.

Despite City’s 2-1 loss, Guardiola remained upbeat and chose to accentuate the positives while looking ahead to the upcoming clash with Arsenal.

The manager preferred to emphasize that the season is still in its early stages, even though they lost their flawless Premier League record at Molineux.

“Well, I’m pretty sure today we didn’t lose the Premier League and we didn’t win the Premier League, either,” said Pep.

“Six out of seven is nice. We could have done something we have never done before by winning seven in a row – we have our game, but the opponent played really, really good.

“They defended really well and they had the ability to keep it and drive and dribble forward. I told the team they (Wolves) came from being out of the Carabao Cup to lower league team – it’s happened and when you face this situation, its so much more difficult and I told them so.

“Today some details didn’t happen and maybe I apply bad some decisions.”

Connor holds a UEFA Pro License and brings a wealth of experience from various positions within the football industry.

Since getting promoted to the DStv Premiership this season, Cape Town Spurs have suffered seven consecutive defeats.

According to the club statement: “Connor will be tasked with all football operations at Ikamva and will ensure that the club’s football objectives are met”.

The Eagles managed to avenge their earlier Carabao Cup loss, with Joachim Andersen scoring from an infrequent goal attempt and effectively defending their lead as the Reds fell short in their efforts to equalize.

Ten Hag emphasized that the team’s decision-making in the final third was subpar, despite having some promising situations in both halves of the game.

“It’s a bad start,” said the Dutch manager. We have to catch up and do better. This is not good enough.

“Of course, it’s frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. It’s frustrating but for us, as well, the players and for me. We have to stay together, fight together and get better and make sure we get improvement.”

“I think every occasion is different. Sometimes it’s like calmness and composure, other times it’s be more clinical, other times be more direct. “The next time, play the extra pass. As I’ve said, it’s about decision making, the qualities and skillset the players have.

“There were many occasions, I can’t count them, but we are in the position to put the ball where we want to be. I think I repeat myself but we came into the positions and have to make the [correct] decision.

“Yes, these players can do better. We have more qualities than we showed today. Always, we learn from the game. We learn we are to do better in the final part of the game. The first goal is very important, if you concede it, you still have to win. You have to find a way to win and we didn’t, so we have to blame ourselves.”

The Mozambique international reclaimed his position in the starting lineup as the left-back, replacing S’fiso Hlanti, following a challenging period of injury, which he gratefully acknowledges is now in the past.

“Obviously, it wasn’t how I wanted the season to start for me. It is difficult, as a player, not to be on the field doing what we love, but I just had to deal with it in a positive way and try to focus on my recovery. I’m happy now that it’s a thing of the past and I am back with the gents,” he tells Chiefs website.

“It was amazing to come back into the team and contribute with a goal and a good performance,” he says.

“I have been eager to get back so when my chance came I wanted to play well and contribute to the team, and I am happy I did.

“Obviously, there are areas where I can improve. It wasn’t a 100 percent perfect game, but we learn every day.

“I should also give credit to my teammates because, at certain times in the match I felt a bit tired, this being my first game and lacking match fitness, but the guys kept pushing me and motivating me to keep going.”

“I want to thank the fans for always being with me. Even when I wasn’t playing, I always felt their love and care for me, which I appreciate very much.”

The opening goal materialized when Joselu expertly finished a sublime pass from Bellingham, with Aurelien Tchouameni nodding in the second for the visitors. Bellingham put the icing on the cake with a clever finish in the second half.

This victory propelled Madrid ahead of both Girona and Barcelona, the latter having defeated Sevilla earlier in the week.

Girona, the leaders at the start of the latest round of La Liga fixtures, began with great energy and created two prime opportunities to take the lead.

Yangel Herrera narrowly missed with a header from a central position in the box, while Viktor Tsygankov struck the outside of the post with a free header.

Gradually, Madrid found their rhythm and took the lead courtesy of a fantastic piece of skill from Bellingham, who skilfully set up Joselu with the outside of his right foot, allowing the former Stoke and Newcastle striker to finish with ease.

Tchouameni added Madrid’s second just four minutes later, capitalizing on a lack of marking from Toni Kroos’ in-swinging corner.

The home side came close to reducing the deficit early in the second half, but Kepa Arrizabalaga made a crucial save from David Lopez’s header, and Eric Garcia couldn’t convert the rebound.

Bellingham completed his brace with 20 minutes left on the clock, finding the far corner after Paulo Gazzaniga parried Joselu’s initial effort. Impressively, the 20-year-old became only the second player in the 21st century to score at least six goals in his first seven La Liga matches for Madrid, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

The match ended on a sour note for the visitors as Nacho was sent off in added time for a reckless challenge on Portu, who had to leave the field on a stretcher.

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will travel to Napoli for their second Champions League group match on Tuesday.

The match began with an early goal by Ashley Cupido, setting the tone for the remainder of the encounter.

Nevertheless, despite their initial lead, the Urban Warriors failed to capitalize on their advantage. A penalty converted by Darwin Gonzalez just before halftime restored parity, while Khanyisa Mayo’s brace secured City maximum points in the derby.

Despite the Citizens dominating possession in the early stages of the game, it was Spurs who took the lead with their very first attacking move. Seizing possession from City in midfield, the Urban Warriors executed a textbook counter-attack, and Ashley Cupido calmly slotted the ball home from within the 18-yard area.

Even after conceding, Eric Tinkler’s team, maintained control of the possession and actively sought an equalizer. Their counter-attacking style often troubled the City defence.

As the game approached the 25-minute mark, City controlled the majority of play in Spurs’ half but struggled to convert their goal-scoring opportunities.

City was awarded a penalty in the 40th minute when the referee detected a handball by Rushwin Dortley inside the penalty area. Gonzalez confidently placed the ball into the net, just out of the reach of goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom.

In the second half, the Urban Warriors displayed greater initiative compared to their first-half performance, while City managed to create a few scoring opportunities.

After an hour of play at the DHL Stadium, Spurs looked lively when moving forward, occasionally causing City to defend nervously.

As the 70th minute approached, the Citizens shifted into high gear and took the lead through a clever strike by Khanyiso Mayo. Gonzalez delivered the ball down the left flank, and Mayo flicked it into the net at the near post.

City sealed the victory with five minutes remaining, as Mayo completed his brace in the iKapa Derby.
Once again, City posed a threat down the left wing, and Mayo was in the right place at the right time to bundle the ball home from close range while battling with Siyanda Msani inside the six-yard box.