Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 14, 2024 at 1pm UK

Juba Stadium

South Sudanvs.Congo

Match preview

Players of South Sudan pose for a group photo before clash against Uganda on October 13, 2024

South Sudan had heard before. They lost 2-1 to Uganda in their fourth AFCON qualifying matchup on October 15.

After going behind to Denis Omedi's goal in the 15th minute, Nicolas Dupuis's team equalised through Yohanna Juma midway through the first half. Alfred Jeku then inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper to settle matters.

This is the fourth defeat in a row for the Bright Stars, who are now in the same boat as Namibia and Malawi. They haven't got a point to their name in the AFCON qualifiers, so they're out of the race to make it through from Group K.

South Sudan are also struggling in their World Cup qualifying group. They're currently bottom of Group B, having only managed two points from four games. However, they still have enough matches to turn things around

With Thursday's game being their second to last of 2024, the hosts could really do with a win before closing out the year with a clash against South Africa at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday.

Congo gave it their all to share the points with South Africa in last month's match at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Debat, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Isaac Ngata's team were on course for a third straight defeat after Elias Mokwana scored just after half-time. However, Mons Bassouamina pulled one back with his first goal in over five months.

Congo's AFCON qualification campaign has taken a bit of a nosedive since their opening 1-0 victory over South Sudan. But they're still in the running for a spot on the continent.

If Congo are to keep their AFCON dreams alive, they'll need results elsewhere to go their way. For now, though, their focus is on winning their upcoming match

However, their recent record on the road is not great. As Thursday's visitors head into the clash, they've lost both of their most recent two matches as an away team by a combined score of 7-0.

Recent Performance

South Sudan Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DDLLLL

South Sudan form (all competitions):DLLLLL

Congo Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WLLD

Congo form (all competitions):DLWLLD

Team News

Antoine Makoubou (L) of the Republic of Congo on October 5, 2024

After scoring against South Africa, Mons Bassouamina has now scored twice for Congo and will be looking to keep up the good work.

Trey Vimalin is up against Marly Prince Heritier and David Opoundja to be the goalkeeper for this game, and it looks like he'll get the nod.

Beni Namboka has been called up to the visitors' senior squad for the first time, but it's not yet clear if he'll make his official debut in Thursday's game.

Like Namboka, Nelson Victor is still waiting for his first international appearance after only just getting his first invitation in October's game against Uganda.

Midfielder Peter Chol is set to play his 40th international match, which would put him top of the list of players who have played the most times for the hosts.

Possible starting lineup

South Sudan possible starting lineup:

Jenaro; Taban, Thomas, Pal; Atendele, Gama, Chol, Okocha; Jawa, Leku, Juma

Congo possible starting lineup:

Vimalin; Fauriel, Mbemba, Passi, Etou; Makouta, Ossette; Ndockyt, Bassouamina, Mboungou; Ganvoula