While both South Africa and Ghana have been affected by players not being released by their clubs, Bafana Bafana’s top scorers in this qualifying campaign will be available for Thursday’s Afcon qualifier, but the Black Stars are missing theirs.
It is arguably Ghana who may be even more affected, with three players who have scored four of their five goals this campaign unavailable.
Captain Andre Ayew has scored twice for Ghana, while his brother Jordan has scored once. Thomas Partey also has scored. All three of these players have not been released for Thursday’s fixture. Muhammaed Kudos, who has one goal, is the only player in the Ghana squad to have scored in these qualifiers.
On the other hand Percy Tau leads the way for Bafana, on 3 goals, and the Brighton & Hove Albion player is available and raring to go. As is their second highest scorer, Themba Zwane, who has 2 goals. However Bongani Zungu, who has scored once, was not released, while Lebogang Phiri, who also has one, was not called up.
Ghana currently on on 9 points, with a goal difference of +4. Bafana also have 9 points, but they have +3 goal difference.
Group C is now wide open after Sudan beat Sao Tome & Principe 2-0 this afternoon, and they are now also on 9 points with a +4 goal difference, but have played one more game. Sao Tome have already been eliminated, with no points from their five games so far.
Bafana host Ghana at the FNB Stadium tomorrow (6pm kick off).