{
  "id": 10867680,
  "title": "Bafana Bafana dealt double injury blow ahead of Eritrea clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/bafana-bafana-dealt-double-injury-blow-ahead-of-eritrea-clash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T05:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/bafana/2026-09-30-bafana-bafana-dealt-double-injury-blow-ahead-of-eritrea-clash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bafana Bafana faces a significant blow to their squad as head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that both Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba are ruled out through injury for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea. Both players have not trained since arriving in Cairo following a 2-1 win over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Modiba was substituted in the second half due to injury, while Mokoena played through discomfort before the final whistle. Despite pulling hard to finish the match, scans have now confirmed that both are indeed injured and unavailable for the Group D qualifier. This leaves Mosimane with limited options as he seeks to build upon their strong start to the campaign. Alternatives include Samukele Kabini in defense and Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole or Relebohile Mofokeng in midfield, with Mofokeng potentially moving into a more forward role. Both injured players have remained with the squad for treatment, but their chances of playing in Sunday's friendly against Egypt are minimal according to the doctors. Mosimane acknowledged the loss of these two crucial players but emphasized that their contributions throughout the campaign made their absence difficult to quantify.",
  "summary": "Head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed South Africa will be without injured Mamelodi Sundowns duo Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba for Wednesday's AFCON qualifier against Eritrea.",
  "key_points": [
    "Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba ruled out for Eritrea qualifier",
    "Both players injured and missed recent training in Cairo",
    "Coach Mosimane faces squad shortage for Africa Cup qualifier"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The injuries to Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba severely limit coach Pitso Mosimane's options for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea and potentially the friendly against Egypt.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Eritrea: What Bafana need to know about their next AFCON qualifier opponents",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/eritrea-what-bafana-need-to-know-about-their-next-afcon-qualifier",
        "published": "2026-09-30T04:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}