Morocco vs South Africa

Morocco will host South Africa in an interntional friendly encounter on Friday night, with both nations seeking a morale-boosting win after their failed attempts to reach the Fifa 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The sides last met in the Africa Cup of Nations this year, with hosts of the tournament South Africa clinching a 2-2 draw with the Atlas Lions, dumping them out of the group stages in the process.

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is expecting a tough match, and believes that Morocco will be out for revenge after their poor showing in South Africa during the Afcon.

"We are playing a very formidable team, and you know North African teams are strong and will give us a stern test," Igesund said ahead of the match.

 "This is a very serious match for both sides and there is some rivalry in that in our last match we drew 2-2 in the Afcon earlier this year."
Gordon Igesund has brought a mixed squad to Agadir City, incorporating his regular starters with a variety of younger players, based both in South Africa and overseas.

This includes the likes of Peterborough United's left-back Kgosi Nthle and Mamelodi Sundowns' midfielder Bongani Zungu, while Lokeren's Ayanda Patosi has also earned a spot in the 23-man squad. Originally named in the initial squad, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Kamohelo Mokotjo will miss out due to injury.

The South African coach is hoping the blend of youth and experience will help Bafana Bafana develop, as the team tries to overcome the disappointment of not reaching next year's World Cup.

Igesund is not concerned about the result on Friday night, as he sees the match as a perfect opportunity for his younger players to earn valuable experience against a formidable team.

"It should not always be about winning and winning. Let us not be scared to lose a match or give youngsters a chance," Igesund said.

"If we win it will be brilliant, and we are capable of winning, but also we will have achieved our objective of introducing the young players if we don't get the result."