AFCON 2023: Katlego Mphela Worried About Bafana Bafana's Chances in Ivory Coast

• South Africa are set to make their return to AFCON after failing to qualify for the 2021 edition
• Bafana Bafana are placed in a tough group alongside Mali, 2004 winners Tunisia, and Namibia
• Former Bafana Bafana star, Katlego ‘Killer’ Mphela has raised some concerns about the team

South Africa have finally touched down in Ivory Coast and will be adding their finishing touches ahead of their opening match against Mali on Tuesday, January 16.

Despite the high expectations, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana striker, Katlego ‘Killer’ Mphela has a few concerns about the national team.

South Africa are underdogs in the tournament and their final 23-man squad suggests so. The omission of their best player, Burnley striker Lyle Foster, dominated headlines in the last few weeks.

Hugo Broos will have to make do without the 23-year-old star in Ivory Coast. Percy Tau and Themba Zwane will look to inspire the team, which is in a tough group alongside Mali and Tunisia.

Lyle Foster Shines for Burnley, Leaving Bafana Bafana Fans Concerned for Hugo Broos Ahead of AFCON

Football

South Africa's frustrating 0-0 draw against Lesotho in their last warm-up match raised some eyebrows. The result laid bare Bafana Bafana's problems, and it remains to be seen if they can find the magic touch.

Mphela's concerns with Bafana Bafana

The former striker, who retired in 2019, raised a few questions about South Africa's attack. He is unsure where the goals will come from.

"With my experience, AFCON is a very difficult tournament to play...Also, where are we going to get our goals? Because I look at the squad: okay. you have your Percy Tau and Themba Zwane, okay, it’s fine. But they are not the players that will get you goals in that kind of tournament," Mphela told Far Post.

However, he also stressed that in Broos, they have a former AFCON winner, who could work his magic with the squad.

Mphela played and scored for South Africa in the 2010 World Cup. Only Benedict McCarthy (31) and Shaun Bartlett (29) have scored more goals for Bafana Bafana than him (23), per SAFA.

AFCON 2023: Hugo Broos explains Why he selected both Makgopa and Lepasa as Lyle Foster's replacement

Football

Aaron Mokoena on Foster's situation

Sports Brief also previously reported on Bafana Bafana legend, Aaron Mokoena slamming Lyle Foster over his decision to not represent South Africa at AFCON.

The legendary footballer admitted he was confused by the Burnley star's decision, given that he was playing regularly for his club despite a high-pressure environment.