South Africa will face Nigeria in a do-or-die 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) — a game that Bafana Bafana have to win if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2010 continental showpiece in Angola.

Currently, South Africa is in second place in Group Four behind Nigeria and ahead of Sierra Leone — but on goal difference only.

The 2-2 draw against Australia in London last month would have given Bafana some confidence as they look to turn the corner after their disastrous Afcon qualifying programme in June when they managed a mere four points from as many matches, which seriously dented Bafana's hopes of playing at the 2010 MTN Africa Cup of Nations.

With his job on the line, depending on the outcome of these next two games, South African coach Joel Santana has made some surprising squad selections this past week.

He has recalled defenders Matthew Booth and Mbulelo Mabizela — following the suspension of Aaron Mokoena — despite Bevan Fransman and Nasief Morris also being available for selection on Saturday. It still remains to be seen, however, just who the Bafana technical team will pick at central defence against the 'Super Eagles'.

Furthermore, there is a worry over Santana's last line of defence, with Bafana's number one goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, recently warming the bench at his club, Kaizer Chiefs. Khune also conceded two goals in his last match against Australia.

Khune, however, feels confident: "I am really looking forward to Saturday. Anything is still possible if we earn the three points.

"Things are going well at training and Moeneeb Josephs is competing with me for the number one jersey," he added. "That's good. I like to have tough competition.

"I just have to be mentally ready for everything that will come my way against Nigeria."

Nigeria, on the other hand, will be missing four key players due to injury. Regular 'Super Eagles' skipper Nwankwo Kanu, Everton man Joseph Yobo, Chelsea's John Obi Mikel and Obafemi Martins of Newcastle United will all miss Saturday's game.

But, despite these injury setbacks, Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu is adamant that his side will be no pushovers.

According to Amodu, they have came to South Africa with the best squad available in order to secure maximum points, and to show the rest of the world they mean business.

Match preview by Brian Lee