Indomitable Lions going for the kill

Cameroon will not be taking the foot off the gas pedal when they play Bafana Bafana in the return leg of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is at 7pm, live on SS4.

The Indomitable Lions forced a 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana in Limbe on Saturday to stay top of Group M with seven points. Mauritania are second with five points while Bafana are third with two points. Gambia are bottom with a single point, which they collected from Bafana in SA.

Cameroon completed their match preparations on Tuesday evening at Moses Mabhida Stadium and it was clear that they will not be sitting back in this match. Most of their focus was on set pieces as well as attacking from the wings with dangerous crosses whipped into the box.

Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who had an outstanding game in Cameroon, will have his hands full trying to contain the Indomitable Lions as they aim to move a step closer to qualification.

The absence of defender Anele Ngcongca due to a calf muscle strain will also add to Bafana’s woes. He will be replaced by Thulani Hlatshwayo while Sifiso Hlanti will make his bow in place of injured Thabo Matlaba.

The visitors will be boosted by the return of FC Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar, who missed the first leg due to suspension. Aboubakar has made 43 appearances for Cameroon with 12 goals to his credit. He is the join top scorer with striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Schalke 04.

Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia said the Lions will not be taking it easy against Bafana as they want to secure qualification to their 18th Africa Cup of Nations.

“Bafana played really well in the first leg but we focus on our own game. This is a very important game for both teams,” said Mbia.

“We will approach the game with the same mentality as we did in the first game. We have one objective – the qualification. That’s why we are here. We must respect Bafana Bafana because they are a very good team with very good players,” he said.

Cameroon coach Hugo Broos has only been in the job for less than a month but he will be happy with results this far. Mbia also believes that it was good for the team to start the way they did under new management.

“It’s good for the new coach because he has a good character, good mentality, he is a winner like the previous coach,” said Mbia.

Cameroon and Bafana will also be interested in the outcome of the other Group M clash between Mauritania and Gambia. Bafana have to win to keep their flickering hopes of Gambia 2017 alive. Anything less will mean they will watch the tournament from television.

SA starting 11: Itumeleng Khune (GK) (c), Thulani Hlatshwayo, Sifiso Hlanti, Rivaldo Coetzee, Erick Mathoho, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Hlompho Kekana, Mandla Masango, Tokelo Rantie, Thamsanqa Gabuza.

Subs: Jackson Mabokgwane, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Asavela Mbekile, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Jabulani Shongwe, Ndumiso Mabena, Prince Nxumalo.

Not considered for this match: Darren Keet (injured), Anele Ngcongca (injured), Thabo Matlaba (injured), Mpho Makola (injured), William Twala, Cheslyn Jampies, Themba Zwane.