2018 World Cup qualifiers: Group D players to watch

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Nov 09, 2017. 12:30

We look at the players to watch ahead of this weekend’s round of 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Today’s focus is on Group D: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa.

Group D fixtures

Friday 10 November
South Africa v Senegal - Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane - 19h30 CAT

Tuesday 14 November
Burkina Faso v Cape Verde - Stade du 4 Aout, Ouagadougou - 21h30 CAT
Senegal v South Africa - Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor, Dakar - 21h30 CAT

Senegal - Sadio Mane

Back from a hamstring injury sustained in the last international break, Sadio Mane is set to be Senegal’s spearhead for their two matches against South Africa. The Liverpool striker has enjoyed a fine - if somewhat disrupted - season to date and would love to cap off 2017 by securing World Cup qualification.

Burkina Faso - Bertrand Traore

A run of four goals in five games for Olympique Lyon just prior to the international break marks Bertrand Traore out as Burkina Faso’s in-form attacker. The former Chelsea man will look to inspire the Stallions to a home win over Cape Verde to end off their campaign in style.

Cape Verde - Garry Rodrigues

A superb brace of goals for Cape Verde in their 2-1 away win over South Africa back in September saw Garry Rodrigues’ stock take a major rise. The 26-year-old will need to keep up his strong form if he is to continue being linked with a transfer to the Premier League.

South Africa - Siphiwe Tshabalala

Famous for scoring the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup, Siphiwe Tshabalala has earned a deserved call-up for the first time in three years. ‘Shabba’ has been in brilliant form at club level and Bafana coach Stuart Baxter will hope the veteran can step back up to international level.