AFCON 2023: Bafana Bafana Defender a 'Serious Doubt' For Ivory Coast, According to Hugo Broos

• Bafana Bafana heads to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the underdogs
• Hugo Broos said a veteran defender is a serious doubt for the tournament
• South Africa will kick off the AFCON campaign on January 16 against Mali

South Africa have been hit with an injury setback days before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Cote d'Ivoire on January 13.

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has confirmed that veteran defender, Mothobi Mvala, is a 'serious doubt' for the tournament.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star sustained a groin injury in training and is undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury. However, it is highly likely he won't be on a plane to Cote d'Ivoire.

Broos has stated he will make a decision about Mvela when he receives the defender's medical report. If he is ruled out, Tapelo Xoki will likely replace him in Bafana Bafana's AFCON squad.

Mamelodi Sundowns players risk burnout as Hugo Broos juggles best AFCON squad

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"And the biggest problem is Mothobi. He has again a groin injury. So the doctor is now with him, and we will wait for the medical report," Broos said via iDiski Times.

"It’s not sure that he [will go] with us to Ivory Coast after tomorrow. So we [will] wait for the report and see how bad the injury is. But I think if we can take him with us and [over] then the next 10 days he can’t train, then I think it is better that we take a new [defender]."

Captain, Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane have also missed training during their preparations.

The 1996 champions kick off their tournament with a Group E clash against Mali on January 16. They then face neighbours, Namibia and then 2004 champions Tunisia, per Far Post.

Percy Tau rates Bafana's chances

Veteran forward, Percy Tau also discussed South Africa's preparation for the tournament and what goals they have set for Cote d'Ivoire.

Mamelodi Sundowns' continental dominance a good omen for Bafana Bafana says former Kaizer Chiefs player

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As Sports Brief previously reported, the Al Ahly forward said Bafana Bafana want to perform well in the 2023 edition of the tournament.

"...People have different opinions about the process we’re in because they say this based on missing out on the last [AFCON]. So we understand that but we want to go all the way.”

South Africa have not performed well in the last few AFCON tournaments, and this will be a great opportunity for them to rise to the occasion.

Toure: South Africa are AFCON favourites

Sports Brief previously reported that Ivory Coast and Manchester City legend, Yaya Toure had picked his favourite teams to win AFCON 2023.

The 2015 AFCON winner surprisingly ignored his own country while listing the nations he believes can win the tournament in Ivory Coast.