South Africa loses defender Coetzee for Senegal game
MONGOMO, Equatorial Guinea (AP) - South Africa has lost defender Rivaldo Coetzee to injury for its crucial second group game against Senegal at the African Cup of Nations.
The South African team says Wednesday that Coetzee sprained a ligament in his right knee in the 3-1 loss to Algeria in Group C. He had overcome a left knee problem to start the game but was forced off in the first half against the tournament favorite.
South Africa sits bottom of the group after the opening round, below Ghana on goal difference. Ghana lost 2-1 to Senegal.
South Africa does have defender Eric Mathoho and experienced midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane available again for Friday's meeting with Senegal in Mongomo after they both returned from suspension.
South Africa's goalkeeper Darren Keet, left, fails to stop a goal as Algeria's Ishak Belfodili, right, reacts during the African Cup of Nations Group C soccer match between Algeria and South Africa in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
The Associated Press
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