South Africa coach Goron Igesund has named Thato Mokeke in the starting lineup for his side's African Nations Championship opener against Mozambique.

The Ajax Cape Town player was originally called up to the Bafana Bafana squad to replace Tsepo Masilela of Kaizer Chiefs, and has now been granted a place in the starting XI.

Buhle Mkwanazi will start alongside Thabo Nthethe in defence for the host nation, while there is also room for in Igesund's team for Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker, fresh from scoring the winning goal against Spain in November's friendly.

South Africa: Khune, Moon, Mokeke, Mkhwanazi, Nthethe, Kekana, Tshabalala, Vilakazi, Chabangu, Tshabalala, Parker, Mashego

Mozambique: Soarito, Kito, Chico, Monis, Sonito, Diogo, Miro, Dario Khan, Lanito, Josemar, Alarvito
Subs: Timana, Pinto, Mazive, Gabito, Beto, Manuelito, Maninho, Mario, Albino, Manuel, Imo Pilale, Dito