Former South Africa Olympic captain Matthew Booth has been recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad for their crucial 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria. Booth, who plays in Russia for Krylya Sovetov, last played for the full national side three years ago. He replaces Aaron Mokoena, who misses the game against the Super Eagles through suspension.

Also in the squad is Mbulelo Mabizela, who last played for South Africa in 2006. Last year he served a six-month ban after testing positive for cannabis.

Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana has acknowledged the precarious position of his side in their bid to reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola in 2010."We are fighting to qualify for the final round in Angola," he said.South Africa have just four points from their four matches so far.

"We have tried to balance the team by bringing in a lot of experience in this selection, as this is going to be a very difficult game (against Nigeria)," Santana said. "May I add that a win against Nigeria will not mean we should get carried away.

"It is a game which is as important as the one against Equatorial Guinea, because we must not lose sight of the bigger picture which is the 2010 World Cup."

Siboniso Gaxa is another player who has been called in to the squad, having last turned out for the national side two years ago.

Midfielder Lebohang Mothibantwa is the only uncapped member of the squad.

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld/GER)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa and Mbulelo Mabizela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Matthew Booth (Krylya Sovetov/RUS), Bradley Carnell (Karlsruhe/GER), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya/ISR), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd), Innocent Mdledle (Orlando Pirates), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos/GRE), Nasief Morris (Recreativo de Huelva/ESP)

Midfielders: Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Teko Modise and Lebogang Mothibantwa (Pirates), Lance Davids (Djurgardens/SWE), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Surprise Moriri (Sundowns) Siyabonga Nkosi (Arminia Bielefeld/GER), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Chiefs), Lefa Tsutsulupa (Moroka Swallows)

Strikers: Benni McCarthy (Blackburn/ENG), Subusiso Zuma (Sundowns)