It is the battle of strugglers as South Africa Under-23 national team take on France at Saitama Stadium in Japan on Sunday.

South Africa coach David Notoane has freshened things up, making two changes to the squad that lost narrowly 1-0 to Japan on June 22.

Kobamelo Kodisang and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have been drafted in the starting line-up replacing Tendo Mukumela and Sibusiso Mabiliso.

On the other hand, France coach has maintained most players who featured in the squad that lost 4-1 to Mexico. The match is for Group A.

Starting line-ups:

South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Katlego Mohamed, Kobamelo Kodisang, Tercious Malepe, Reeve Frosler, Luther Singh, Evidence Makgapo, Thabo Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Luke Fleurs

France XI: Paul Bernardoni, Pierre Kalulu, Niels Nkounkou, Lucas  Tousart, Nathanael Mbuku, Andre-Pierre  Gignac, Teji Savanier, Clement Michelin, Florian Thauvin, Anthony Caci, Randal Kolo.