South Africa vs Congo Predictions - Bafana to beat Les Diables Rouges

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 10 Oct 2024

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John Eastwood 10 Oct 2024

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Bafana Bafana is undefeated in their last 15 matches.
Congo has lost 5 of their last 8 matches, struggling offensively.
South Africa expected to win narrowly with a clean sheet.

Expired

Themba Zwane to inspire South Africa to victory over Congo on Friday (Getty Images).

South Africa vs Congo Predictions

Bafana Bafana are in a strong form of late. They are tipped to beat a struggling Congo side. I’m tipping a narrow win to zero.

South Africa are undefeated in their last 15 matches.
South Africa have won 3 of their last 6 matches (3 draws).
Congo have lost 5 of their last 8 matches.
Congo have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 matches vs South Africa.

Head to Head

These sides have met on three previous occasions with three draws and one win for South Africa.

They last met in an AFCON qualifier in 2014 which ended in a 0-0 draw in South Africa.

South Africa Form

Bafana Bafana finished third at the AFCON despite drawing four of their seven matches.

Two World Cup qualifiers followed as they drew 1-1 in Nigeria and beat Zimbabwe 3-1. Following an early COSAFA Cup exit, they played two AFCON Qualifiers in September.

A 95th-minute equaliser rescued a 2-2 home draw vs Uganda. Another last-gasp goal sealed a 3-2 win away at South Sudan.

South Africa Injuries & Team News

Captain Ronwen Williams is back after missing September’s qualifiers. Siyabonga Ngezana and Sphephelo Sithole are out injured.

Jayden Adams has been dropped over a disciplinary issue. Thabiso Sesane has received his first call-up in defence after excelling for Orlando Pirates.

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Nyiko Mobbie, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Grant Kekana, Thabiso Sesane, Rushwin Dortley, Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien

Midfielders: Thapelo Morena, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Luke Le Roux, Sinoxolo Kwayiba

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng

Congo Form

The Republic of the Congo have tasted victory just twice in the last 12 matches. In World Cup qualifying, it’s three successive losses.

A 4-2 away defeat to Zambia preceded a 3-0 home defeat to Niger. Congo were then beaten 6-0 by Morocco in a home fixture played in Morocco.

In September’s AFCON qualifiers, they beat South Sudan 1-0 at home before a 2-0 away defeat to Uganda.

Congo Injuries & Team News

Congo coach Isaac Ngata will lead on forward Silvère Ganvoula. Cagliari midfielder Antoine Makoumbou is a key man.

Parma striker Gabriel Charpentier is doubtful having withdrawn from the September qualifying matches.

Goalkeepers: Christoffer Mafoumbi, Pavelh Ndzila, Owen-Césaire Matimbou, Melvin Zinga

Defenders: Yhoan Andzouana, Ryan Bidounga, Bryan Passi, Morgan Poaty, Ramaric Etou, Francis Nzaba, Christ Makosso, Kévin Mouanga

Midfielders: Prestige Mboungou, Merveil Ndockyt, Antoine Makoumbou, Chandrel Massanga, Fred Dembi, Raviere Otanga, Elie Andzouono, Brunallergene Junior Etou, Will Hondermarck, Rabby Nzingoula

Forwards: Silvère Ganvoula, Béni Makouana, Mons Bassouamina, Gabriel Charpentier, Archange Bintsouka