AFCON 2021: Ajax star Mohammed Kudus finally ruled out of tourney
Football
South Africa will be put through the ultimate test as they take on world champions France in an international friendly set for March.
The South African Football Association had been looking for two high profile opponents for the international fixture window later that month. This was to make up for missing out on the win-and-you're-in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in the CAF zone to be held that week.
As reported on Goal.com, after Bafana Bafana takes on Les Bleus, they will then lock horns with southern African rivals Zambia. The venues of these fixtures were yet to be revealed.
AFCON 2021: Ajax star Mohammed Kudus finally ruled out of tourney
FootballBafana and France last met at the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in Mzansi, with the home team running out 2-1 winners, though the famous result could not catapult them into the knockouts of that edition of the global showpiece event. As per 11v11, both nations have met in four previous fixtures, with the French winning two, South Africa winning one, and also one draw.
According to the Sunday Times, coach Hugo Broos said these tough fixtures would prepare his team for future competitions down the line.
"Those are the two matches to prepare us for the [2023] Afcon qualifiers in June. You are playing against the world champions. Strong opposition give you proper preparation. Even if you lose the games it is not a train smash."
While fans can look forward to taking on the world's best, they still have to get past Bafana's absence at at the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Camerooon.
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FootballAs reported on Sports Brief, media mogul Bonang Matheba expressed sadness at this fact, encapsulating the disappointment everyone else feels at home.
She tweeted out to her more-than five million followers, drawing an overwhelming response of agreement.