South Africa U23 coach David Notoane says he is confident his players can win their U23 AFCON qualifiers first clash game against Togo this Sunday afternoon in Lomé (4pm).

The two-legged tie will start today at Kegué Stadium were the Olympic Sparrowhawks will host the Amaglug-glug for the first leg.

Speaking ahead of the game, South Africa U23 coach David Notoane said he is confident of a surprise despite challenges in getting players he called up due to their clubs’ reluctance.

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“I think the challenges we had in terms of availability of players are well documented,” he said.

“We have lost some key players that we have called up guys like Ethan Brooks (AmaZulu), Azola Matrose, Zuko Mdunyelwa (both Chippa United). We waited for Aphelele Teto, and Kamogelo Mahlangu but after the (Kaizer) Chiefs game on Wednesday TS Galaxy withdrawn their players, we could not get them. But that has afforded an opportunity to under-20 players to be integrated into the team as we have now added Aden McCarthy and Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi.”

Togo played two games last month as they eliminated Mauritania in the first round of these U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

If Azifou Traore’s men are more competitive than his, David Notoane do believe they can stun the home side.

“We remain balanced. I do believe the competitiveness of the squad that is at our disposal will be tested against the Togolese and I am confident that the boys can pull a surprise”, he said.