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Preview: Costa Rica v Bafana Bafana

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana will be looking to secure just their second victory over Costa Rica when the two sides meet.

South Africa won Los Ticos back in 2003.

Bafana Bafana arrived in San Jose earlier this week ahead of the Estadio Nacional encounter, although Orlando Pirates trio Thabo Matlaba, Mpho Makola and Thamsanqa Gabuza only linked up with their team-mates on Wednesday due to the Buccaneers' involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup.

However, given the fact the trio have spent the past 48 hours traveling, with Pirates' semi-final second leg against Al Ahly on Sunday having taken place in Egypt, the South African Football Association have revealed the players in question will not be required to fulfil international duties against Costa Rica.

That will keep the Bucs stars fresh for the clash against Honduras five days later, though, while Shakes Mashaba insists he has the utmost faith in those players who will come in as replacements.

"The only area of concern is up front where I think we are a bit short of strikers but generally, fans should be in for a real treat," Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba said.

"The players looked sharp at training and despite the lack of sufficient time to gel, I am happy, very happy with what I have at my disposal. We should compete, and compete hard, come match day."

Kick-off is at 04:00 SA time on Friday, October 9.

Starting XI: Itumeleng Khune (captain), Anele Ngcongca, Rivaldo Coetzee, Erick Mathoho, Mosa Lebusa, Andile Jali, Bongani Zungu, Mandla Masango, Thulani Serero, George Lebese, Sibusiso Vilakazi.

Substitutes: Jackson Mabokgwane, Ronwen Williams, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clayton Daniels, Mzikayise Mashaba, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Jabulani Shongwe, Ayanda Patosi.

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