Bafana ready to face Teranga Lions

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Pretoria - Bafana Bafana are in a confident mood ahead of their international clash against the Teranga Lions of Senegal tonight at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

"We've been preparing well and we are ready for the game. In the previous games, we have drawn a lot, hopefully this time we'll start winning," said midfielder May Mahlangu who plays for the Swedish team, Helsingborg.

His sentiments were echoed by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who returns to the squad after a long lay-off due to injury.

"It has been a frustrating time on the sidelines and has not been easy for me as I always want to be on the field. As for the match against Senegal, we have to do the business because we are playing at home.

"We have to give the nation the results they are looking for, even though we are facing a very good side. It is not good for the country that we play too many draws (sic)," said Khune.

Defender Morgan Gould remained cautious of the Lions. "We cannot take them lightly just because they bombed out in the first round of the 2012 African Cup of Nations; they remain a very formidable side.

"They will be coming here like wounded tigers but then again, this is a very good time to play them as they will give us a strong challenge. They are also looking to get a win from the match, so it will be a tough match, but we have to play well to get a win."

The Senegalese team has already arrived in the country and had their one and only training session at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Bafana squad

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands.
Defenders: Morgan Gould, Eric Mathoho, Wayne Arendse, Punch Masenamela, Tsepo Masilela, Bongani Khumalo, Siboniso Gaxa and Anele Ngcongca.
Midfielders: Thanduyise Khuboni, Thamsanqa Sangweni, George Maluleka, Teko Modise, Kagisho Dikgacoi, May Mahlangu, Daylon Claasen, Steven Pienaar and Thulani Serero.
Strikers: Katlego "Killer" Mphela, Siyabonga Nontshinga, Lebohang Mokoena and Edward Manqelaa.

Senegal squad

Goalkeepers: Bouna Coundonoul, Khadim Ndiaye.
Defenders: Abdoulaaye Ba, Jacques Faty, Papa Gueye, Kader Mangane, Cheikh Mbengue, Pape Ndiaye Souare, Matar Thioune and Zarco Toure.
Midfielders: Stephane Badji, Mouhamed Diame, Ricardo Faty, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Cheikh Kouyate and Ndiame Deme Ndiaye.
Strikers: Ibrahima Balde, Papiss Demba Cisse, Boubacar Dialiba Diabang, Mame Biram Diouf, Mousa Konate and Dame Ndoye.

Kick-off is 8:35pm.