McCarthy, Mathoho ruled out of Afcon

Bafana Bafana duo of Benni McCarthy and Eric Mathoho have been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.

Orlando Pirates striker McCarthy is still struggling with a hamstring injury, while Kaizer Chiefs defender Mathoho is nursing a knee injury.

Bafana coach Gordon Igesund said at today’s media briefing that it was a huge blow to lose the two.

Although they were not guaranteed a place in the final team ahead of the Afcon finals, which kick off in South Africa next month, McCarthy and Mathoho were adding different dimension to the side, according to Igesund.

He said Chiefs doctors have advised him that Mathoho would be out of action for four to five weeks and he did not want to take risks with McCarthy, who has only played a few matches in three months.

Igesund said he had capable players in the team who will do the job for him during the 16-nation tournament from January 19 to February 10.

He will name his final 23-man squad on Sunday.

» Read more Afcon updates in City Press on Sunday