South Africa (SA) coach Hugo Broos says today’s friendly against Ghana’s locally based squad is aimed more at assessing players and sharpening match fitness than chasing a result.

The Belgian tactician intends to use the send-off fixture to evaluate fringe players as SA enter the final phase of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Broos believes the exercise will help him fine-tune options ahead of the Group B opener.

“The game is more of a training match than a selection match,” Broos said. “I am happy that we have a game, even if it is against a team that is not one of the strongest. It is important to get this match, and on the other hand, I can leave some players out because of minor injuries. I don’t want to take risks that could lead to more serious injuries and potentially miss the AFCON.”

The friendly provides an opportunity for SA to test squad depth while managing player fitness, as the team looks to enter the tournament in peak condition.

–ChannelAfrica–