South Africa's national U20 side has suffered a major blow ahead of their second group stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations, currently underway in Egypt.
Amajita, as the team is affectionately known, are set to do battle against Tanzania on Wednesday, needing a win to reignite hopes of a semi-final berth and consequently FIFA World Cup qualification.
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However, ahead of the crucial tie, the squad is understood to have lost Mamelodi Sundowns left-back and squad captain Asekho Tiwani to injury.
The 19-year-old had to be substituted off during the opening match of the tournament against hosts Egypt after sustaining a knee injury.
While initial hopes were that the stocky fullback would be able to continue, it has now been established that he will have to sit out the rest of the competition.
He has subsequently returned to South Africa to begin his recovery.
Tiwani's absence is a major blow for Mdaka, who was also unable to call on Mbekezeli Mbokazi after he was withdrawn from the squad by Orlando Pirates, ahead of the club's crucial matches at the tail end of the season.
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Nevertheless, the tactician remains optimistic ahead of Amajita's second clash as reported by this website on Wednesday.
The top four teams out of the U20 AFCON will be guaranteed of a spot in the U20 World Cup that will be played in Chile between September 27 and October 19 this year.
