South Africa to face Ghana minus Hlatshwayo in crucial Afcon tie

The 1996 champions South Africa will face Ghana on Tuesday in a Group C match at the on-going 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) without defender Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Team doctor Thulani Ngwenya told Xinhua in an interview that the defender would not play the game because he is not feeling well.

"He is not fine for that game since he was knocked on the head in the draw against Senegal," said the doctor.

South Africa who lost the first game 3-1 to Algeria before the draw to Senegal need a big win against the Black Stars of Ghana if they hope to qualify for the quarter finals. Coach Shakes Mashaba hopes that another defender Rivaldo Coetzee who got injured in the loss to Algeria could pass a late fitness test and feature in the game.

"We hope Coetzee can be fine for the game. This is a very important game that we need to win by a certain goal margin and we shall work hard to win," said Mashaba whose team did not suffer any defeat in the qualifiers en-route to the competition.

Ghana who lost their opening match to Senegal and fought back to beat favorites Algeria 1-0 in the second game also need a win to make it to the last eight. The Black Stars who have won the trophy four times will look to their inspirational skipper Asamoah Gyan to get the goals.

Gyan who scored a late goal against Algeria said he is feeling much fitter now and would be more involved in the game against South Africa. "I have not been very fit, but I am now feeling better and will work hard for the team," said Gyan who missed the opening match because of a fever.

Senegal lead Group C with four points, while Algeria are second on three points with a better goal difference ahead of Ghana who also have the same number of points. South Africa are bottom. Endite