Differing fortunes for Chiefs players in AFCON Qualifiers
Differing fortunes for Chiefs players in AFCON Qualifiers

Posted in Features, News, Team News on Nov 20, 2020.

Kaizer Chiefs had five players called up by four countries for international duty this past week at senior level, representing South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers the players had differing fortunes. We look back on the international week and analyse how the Chiefs players fared. 

Kenya

Anthony Akumu Agay was on the bench and did not feature in both games as Kenya took on Comoros in Group G. The Kenyans drew the first game 1-1 on 11 November and lost the second away from home 2-1 on 15 November to put themselves in a precarious situation. With Egypt winning their two games in the double header against Kenya, the Harambee Stars need to win their final two games and hope that Comoros lose both. 

 

[caption id="attachment_42642" align="alignnone" width="300"] Anthony Akumu[/caption]

Nigeria

Daniel Akpeyi did not feature when Nigeria squared off with Sierra Leone in their double header. The Super Eagles let slip a four-goal lead at home in the first game to draw 4-4 in Benin City on 13 November. They then drew 0-0 in Free Town on the 17th. Nigeria remain top of the group ahead of Benin and are in a strong position to qualify. 



South Africa

Bafana Bafana did duty against São Tomé and Principe in Group C with both games played in South Africa due to logistical reasons. Lebogang Manyama featured for Bafana Bafana in their 2-0 win in the first game at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. He did duty again when they defeated the islanders 4-2 in Port Elizabeth on Monday. He was an influential figure in both games for Bafana Bafana. One win from their final two games should see South Africa qualify for the continental competition. Itumeleng Khune was an unused substitute in both games and Reeve Frosler withdrawn from the squad due injury. 

[caption id="attachment_42641" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lebogang Manyama[/caption]

Zimbabwe 

There was a lot of travelling for Khama Billiat and his Zimbabwe teammates in Group H as they traversed northwards to take on Algeria. They lost their first game on 12 November 3-1 against the defending African Champions in Algiers. They did stage a brave comeback in the second game in Harare on 16November coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. Khama Billiat featured in both games. The point earned puts them on five points, one ahead of Zambia who lost Botswana. A win against Botswana in their next game should put Zimbabwe on the verge of qualifying, while Algeria have already qualified for the tournament. 

[caption id="attachment_42644" align="alignnone" width="300"] Khama Billiat[/caption]

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