Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Oct 15, 2024 at 5pm UK

Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat

Congo vs South Africa

Match preview

Looking to continue their recent resurgence, South Africa turned on the style in front of goal as they ran out 5-0 winners over Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.

A first-half double from Teboho Mokoena set Hugo Broos's side on their way to all three points, with Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners all getting on the scoresheet either side of the break.

It is now 11 matches since Bafana Bafana were last beaten and their recent resurgence has seen them move to second place in their AFCON qualifying group, behind only Uganda on goal difference.

South Africa, who defeated Congo DR on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the last AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year, will be keen to go one better at next year's continental showpiece.

Currently the top scorers midway through qualifying (10 goals), the visitors on Tuesday will be fancying their chances of producing another attacking masterclass to secure their AFCON berth in style on the road.

Seeking a return to the continental stage for the first time in 10 years, Congo began their qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over South Sudan on 5 September, but things have not gone according to plan since then.

Isaac Ngata's men lost 2-0 to Uganda four days later, before suffering a 5-0 hammering at the hands of South Africa in their last outing.

It was in keeping with a torrid 2024 for the Red Devils, who have won just one of six games in all competitions this year, losing four of the other five.

Interim manager Ngata has endured a tough time since taking over from Paul Put on a temporary basis in 2023, and it is highly unlikely that the 59-year-old's appointment will be made permanent.

Sitting third in Group K at the moment, Tuesday's hosts are behind both South Africa and Uganda by four points, and a win for both teams in the next round of matches would spell the end of Congo's AFCON ambitions.

Recnet Performance

Congo Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WLL

Congo form (all competitions):LDLWLL

South Africa Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DWW

South Africa form (all competitions):DDWDWW

Injuries and suspensions

Congo

-- Ravy Tsouka

-- Chandrel Massanga

South Africa

No sidelined players

Possible starting lineups

Congo possible starting lineup:

Mafoumbi; Poaty, Bidounga, Makosso, Andzouana; Ndockyt, Otanga, Makouta; Mboungou, Ibayi, Ganvoula

South Africa possible starting lineup:

Williams; Modiba, Dortley, Kekana, Mudau; Mokoena, Aubaas; Appollis, Mokwana; Foster, Zwane