Five players in Bafana's CHAN squad

The South African Football Association have broken their silence on the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier at home to Comoros.

Bafana hold a 1-0 aggregate lead following last weekend's away leg, thanks to a lone goal from Royal AM midfielder Khulekanui Shezi, and look on course to book their spots in the next round of qualifying, where they will face the winner between Angola and Mauritius.

The squad endured logistical challenges ahead of the first leg as several players were withdrawn by their clubs after the COSAFA Cup, where South Africa won the Plate section.

Stand-in head coach Helman Mkhalele, who steps up from his assistant role due to Hugo Broos being contractually excused from non-FIFA accredited fixtures, has now announced five additions to that squad, though it remains unclear who they will replace.

"I have brought in five new players to add to that squad which played away because some of our players who featured in the first leg match were ruled out due to injuries," Mkhalele told safa.net.

"We have roped in the likes of Promise Mkhuma, George Matlou, Sammy Seabi, Sibusiso Milazi and Keenan Phillips as suitable replacements as we continue with our preparations for the upcoming second leg fixture against Comoros."

The match will take place on Saturday at Dobsonville Stadium, where kick-off has been scheduled for 15:00.

"This second tie is not going to be easy because we expect Comoros to come at us with the intention of overturning the first leg result we produced against them," the 52-year-old tactician added.

"We are not going to allow them room as this is one match we want to dominate from the first whistle until the last."

Bafana first leg squad: Lincoln Vyver (GK), Olwethu Mzimela (GK), Thuso Mogale (GK), Ashley Cupido, Azole Matrose, Boitumelo Radiopane, Chumani Butsaka, Inathi Lawana, Kagiso Shezi, Lesego Sebetlela, Kamogelo Mahlangu, Mohlala Makola, Nelson Ralenkoane, Sifiso Mbidana, Siyanda Msani, Sydney Malivha, Zuko Mdunyelwa