Former coach of Bafana Bafana Owen Da Gama believes Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa should lead the Bafana attack tonight.
Bafana take on Mali in their AFCON opener without top striker Lyle Foster who has excused himself from the national team and opted to stay at his Premier League club Burnley FC instead.
"Our chances of winning tonight depend on the starting line-up Hugo Broos is going to put out there," Da Gama tells KickOff.
READ | Why Bafana are seeking third time luck...
"Going forward, I do believe we have the potential, I think we are very strong up front and in the middle. I'm just worried about the defense, I'm concerned a little bit, but if they can up their game and play to their best then we've got a chance. It's important that South Africa starts on a good footing. If we start well today then we will do well in this competition.
"If we can be able to put out the best combinations I think we can beat Mali.
"I definitely would have liked Lyle Foster to be part of this whole thing, even if he would have been a late inclusion, I think he could have helped us. It was the clever move by Hugo Broos to pick more Sundowns players in the squad, they are used to playing in Africa," he said.
READ | Bafana boosted by Downs trio for Mali clash
"The combinations of the Sundowns players can also help us. Percy Tau also played for Sundowns so he understands their system. If the Themba Zwanes are involved it could help us big time.
"So tonight I'd play Percy Tau and Evidence Makgopa, I'd give Tau a free role but not too wide. Because Hugo Broos plays with one striker, I would put Evidence Makgopa up there to hold up the ball.
"Makgopa will work hard for you, he is a very good defensive striker. He can come back and help the defence. If he can be given instructions to hold up the ball something can happen. Zwane and Tau could be a main threat playing alongside Makgopa," added the former coach.