South Africa will host Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday as the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume in Group K. With the competition reaching its halfway stage, this match is the first of a double-header between the two sides, who will meet again in Brazzaville in four days.
Match Preview
South Africa’s Qualification Campaign
South Africa comes into this match in strong form, sitting second in Group K with four points, level with Uganda. Bafana Bafana have made a positive start, drawing 2-2 against Uganda and securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over South Sudan.
Hugo Broos’s side have been unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions, a run stretching back to their AFCON semi-final loss to Nigeria earlier this year. However, Broos has identified defensive improvements as key, as South Africa has kept just one clean sheet in nine games since AFCON. Despite this, their ability to grind out results has seen them through challenging encounters.
Historically, the fixtures between these two teams have been closely contested. South Africa holds the upper hand, having won one of their last four meetings, with the other three ending in draws.
Congo’s Struggles
Congo, on the other hand, has been grappling with both on-field and off-field challenges. Just days before traveling for this match, the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofoot) was forced to shut down, adding more turmoil to an already troubled team. In addition to these administrative issues, Congo suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Uganda last month, after securing a narrow 1-0 win over South Sudan in their opener.
The Red Devils’ last victory, coincidentally also against South Sudan in March 2023, was a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult period for Congolese football.
Team News
South Africa
South Africa received good news ahead of this match, with captain Ronwen Williams returning from injury. However, they will be without Thalente Mbatha, who scored crucial stoppage-time goals in both of their previous qualifiers but is sidelined due to injury. Stellenbosch midfielder Jayden Adams has also been dropped from the squad.
Congo
There has been no official confirmation of Congo’s squad for this match, but reports suggest the team will be unchanged from their previous two qualifiers. Key players Merveil Ndockyt and striker Silvere Ganvoula are expected to lead the attack, while Bryan Passi and Ryan Bidounga will likely anchor the defense.
Possible Lineups
South Africa:
- GK: Williams
- DEF: Mudau, Kekana, Dortley, Modiba
- MID: Appollis, Mokoena, Aubaas, Zwane, Mofokeng
- FWD: Foster
Congo:
- GK: Ndzila
- DEF: Andzouana, Passi, Bidounga, Poaty
- MID: Dembi, Massanga
- FWD: Bassouamina, Mboungou, Ndockyt, Ganvoula
Prediction
While Congo have shown the ability to grind out draws against solid opposition like Gambia and Gabon, their recent form, coupled with internal turmoil, makes it difficult to see them upsetting a South African side that has been on an excellent run of form. South Africa should have too much quality for Congo to handle, especially at home.
Prediction: South Africa 2-0 Congo
