Themba Zwane could be out for months - Hugo Broos

Zwane was forced off in the first half of Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Republic of Congo in their CAF 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group K qualifier in Brazzaville on Tuesday, with a confirmed Achilles tendon rupture. 

Broos further admitted that the 35-year-old’s unplanned removal made things difficult for them in the second half, as they failed to control the game.

"It was not a good thing for us that Themba had to go out with an injury - it's a big injury, an Achilles, and I'm afraid he will be out for month." said Broos.

"So, again, when you lose such an important player, it's difficult certainly in a game where you are dominated because Themba is someone who can keep the ball, who can give the last pass.

"So, he was not there and maybe that was also a reason why we didn't play so well today."

After thrashing the same team 5-0 in Gqeberha last Friday, Bafana were expected to confirm their qualification to next year's AFCON finals in Morocco with a victory in Brazzaville.

However, the Belgian mentor insists he will not have any sleepless nights over his side's delay in booking their spots for the continental showpiece.

"No, because we are in the same situation. We still need a victory.  If we win against Uganda or South Sudan, we are qualified," he concluded.

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