13 December 2017 – The Burger King-sponsored South African U20 Men’s National Team will be without two key players for their semi-final clash against Egypt in the 2017 COSAFA U20 Youth Championship currently underway in Zambia.

The match takes place on Thursday, 14 December at the Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Kickoff is at 13h30.

Captain Thendo Mukumela and goalkeeper Khulekani Kubheka are serving their suspensions after receiving two yellow cards each in the group stage matches.

However, Amajita head coach Thabo Senong is not too fazed by this and believes he has enough in his arsenal to face the North Africans.

“We have two suspensions but we will not struggle. We have faith in all the 20 players who are in the squad and the two who come in will fit in well with the team. We will focus on our game plan, switch tactics if and where necessary, still respect critical phases of the game and ensure that we convert the many chances we are capable of creating. If we can do all these things, we are guaranteed a place in Saturday’s final,” said Senong.

Vice captain Nkosingiphile Ngcobo will wear the armband for the encounter against Egypt, with Keanu Cupido taking the role of vice captain.

The encounter will be the second consecutive match between the two sides following Amajita’s 2-1 victory against the Young Pharaohs in the group stages.

South Africa qualified for the semi finals as group B winners while Egypt qualify as the best runners up.

The second semi-final will see guests Uganda take on Lesotho at 16h00 at the same venue.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, 16 December.