Lorch starts as Baxter rings changes for Egypt tie

The Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season Thembinkosi Lorch is set to make his Africa Cup of Nations bow for South Africa against hosts Egypt on Saturday night.

Following Bafana’s poor performance in attack, where they scored one goal from three matches at the Afcon, there has been a public outcry for Lorch to be given a run, and the coach Stuart Baxter has trusted the Orlando Pirates talisman in place of the suspsended Themba Zwane.

Baxter named an unchanged back four featuring Thami Mkhize, Sifiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkwanazi and skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo, while goalkeeper Ronwen Willians retained his starting berth in between the sticks.

In the middle of the park, Dean Furman and Kamohelo Mokotjo make a return in the staring team to play alongside Bongani Zungu.

Bafana XI: Ronwen Williams(G), Thamsanqa Mkhize, Sfiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo (C), Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Thembinkosi Lorch, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba