Mokoena Injury Blow Not As Serious As First Feared?
by SL Reporter · Soccer LadumaTeboho Mokoena is expected to recover in time to feature for Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on October 10, providing a boost for the Brazilians ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
Mokoena missed Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter in Cairo, Egypt, after picking up an injury in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Guinea in Soweto.
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However, indications are that the midfielder’s injury is not as serious as initially feared, with the Sundowns star expected to be back in contention when his club takes on Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next month.
Mokoena has been an important member of the Bafana squad and his absence was felt by Pitso Mosimane as the national team secured back-to-back victories in their opening two Group D matches.
Aubrey Modiba, who also missed the victory over Eritrea after sustaining an injury against Guinea, could similarly recover in time for the MTN8 final.
There was another injury concern for Bafana on Wednesday, with Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas forced off early in the 5-0 victory.
Aubaas had come into the starting line-up as Mokoena’s replacement, and it remains unclear at this stage how long he is expected to be sidelined.
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Bafana’s emphatic victory over Eritrea means they now have two wins from their opening two AFCON qualifiers, having also beaten Guinea on Saturday.
Mosimane’s charges will resume their qualifying campaign in November, while the attention of Mokoena and Modiba will now turn towards recovering from their respective injuries ahead of the domestic season’s MTN8 final.
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