Bafana boss Broos includes fresh faces in squad for Afcon qualifier against Morocco

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has selected a 23-man squad for their opening 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Group K opponents Morocco.

The fixture will take place on Thursday, 9 June at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, in Morocco's capital city Rabat.

Kickoff is at 21:00 (SA time).

The Belgian stuck with his tried and tested goalkeeping trio of Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu) and Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs).

Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Lyle Lakay were the only players chosen from DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, the coach also switched up his selection as he included Cape Town City duo Taarig Fielies and Khanyisa Mayo, while Spephele Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal) and Phathutshedzo Nange (Kaizer Chiefs) also made the cut.

The squad will assemble early next as they now have two weeks to prepare for the qualifier. 

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs).

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Lyle Lakay, (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Bandile Shandu, Innocent Maela (both Orlando Pirates), Thibang Phete (Belenenses, Portugal), Taariq Fielies, Terrence Mashego (both Cape Town City).

Midfielders: Spephele Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal), Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune), Phathutshedzo Nange (Kaizer Chiefs).

Strikers: Thembinkosi Lorch (Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids, Egypt), Lyle Foster (Westerlo, Belgium), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota FC, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt).

Bafana Bafana were expected to face Zimbabwe in the second qualifier, but the Warriors will now play no