Cape Town - Reports reaching South Africa suggest midfielder Dean Furman has suffered a knee injury that will rule him out of Bafana Bafana's Africa Cup of Nations clash against neighbours Namibia on Friday night.

The 31-year-old sat on the sidelines during South Africa's training session on Thursday and was 'heavily strapped' around the knee.

Bafana came out second best in their AFCON opener against the Ivory Coast, losing 1-0.

Outplayed from start to finish, coach Stuart Baxter was expected to keep the same starting XI, but now has an opportunity to add an attacking threat to his line-up.

Ronwen Williams (GK), Sifiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo (captain), Thami Mkhize, Kamohelo Mokotjo along with Dean Furman, Lebo Maboe, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau and Lebo Mothiba all started against the Ivorians.

Here, Sport24 looks at who the Scotsman could select to replace Furman for their second Group D fixture.

Thulani Serero (Formation: 4-1-3-1)

Serero was sorely missed and can be deployed in his favourite Number 10 role behind Lebo Mothiba and star forward Percy Tau.

Alongside Serero on the left would be Maboe, who needs to put a better shift than against the Ivory Coast, while Themba Zwane operates on the right-wing.

Sitting in front of the defensive line would be Mokotjo.

Bongani Zungu (Formation: 4-3-3)

The 26-year-old has made a name for himself in France with Ligue 1 side Amiens SC, but with Baxter's defensive-minded approach, Zungu has fallen in the pecking order.

However, in a 4-3-3 formation, Zungu can be a handful going forward. He can be deployed on the left with Mokotjo stationed as the lone defensive midfielder while Maboe plays on the right.

In front of the trio will be Tau, Mothiba and Zwane.

Hlompho Kekana (Formation: 4-2-1-2-1)

This was pretty much how Baxter set up against the Ivory Coast and if you were to put money on which formation he would use against Namibia, this could well be it.

Kekana can play alongside Mokotjo, but does the veteran still have the legs to perform on the international stage?

The 34-year-old recently completed a full season with Mamelodi Sundowns which saw them compete on all fronts.

His experience is invaluable and could be useful in a midfield that struggled against the Ivorians.

Kick-off is at 22:00 (SA time).