Suspensions force Bafana's Hugo Broos to rethink ahead of must-win South Korea encounter

Fresh from their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, the South African senior men's national team resumed preparations almost immediately upon arrival, taking to the training fields at Universidad del Futbol on Friday.

Coach Hugo Broos and his squad know the significance of the upcoming clash against South Korea national football team at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, with qualification ambitions hanging in the balance, SAFA.net reported.

After showing resilience to rescue a point against Czechia, Bafana are now entering the final stretch of group-stage preparations and will remain in Pachuca for several days before making the trip to Monterrey for the crucial fixture.

However, Broos will have to navigate the encounter without two influential figures.

Captain Themba Zwane remains unavailable as he continues serving the three-match suspension imposed by FIFA's disciplinary committee following the red card he received during South Africa's opening match against Mexico.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena will also miss the match after collecting his second yellow card of the tournament during the draw with Czechia.

There is, however, a boost for the South Africans with Sphephelo Sithole returning to selection contention. Sithole had also been sent off in the opening fixture against Mexico but completed his one-match suspension and is once again available for selection.

With qualification still within reach, Bafana's focus now shifts entirely to delivering in their final group-stage assignment.