Bafana Bafana and Ivory Coast have named their starting line-ups for this evening’s international friendly at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.
It is the first time the two countries will meet since the Africa Cup of Nations group stages in 2019, where Ivory Coast picked a 1-0 victory over then-coach Stuart Baxter’s side.
It is also the only time that the West African giants have actually defeated South Africa, with Bafana having won twice, while there have been four draws in their seven-match head-to-head history.
After playing to a goalless draw in the Simba Cup in 1994, their next three meetings were at AFCONs. In 1998 it ended 1-1, in 2002 it was goalless, while in 2003, there was a result for the first time as Bafana won 2-1.
An international friendly was drawn 1-1 in 2011, while Bafana won 2-0 in a 2014 friendly.
For both countries, it is the second game of this international window. Bafana played to a lacklustre goalless draw against eSwatini at the FNB Stadium on Friday, while the Elephants drew 1-1 with Morocco in Abidjan on Saturday.
Here is how they line-up:
Ivory Coast XI: Fofana Y., Ndicka, Diomande, Konan, Singo, Kessie, Sangare, Fofana S., Bamba, Zaha, Haller
Subs: Folly, Sangare, Kossonou, Sylla, Boly, Konate, Seri, Kouame, Krasso, Adingra, Diakite, Traore
Bafana Bafana XI: Willians, Mudau, Xulu, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Zwane, Mayambela, Hlongwane, Mothiba
Subs: Goss, Mobbie, Sibisi, Mayo, Foster, Kekana, Mothwa, Mthethwa, Mdantsane, Mako
