Bafana Bafana v Congo – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bafana Bafana faces Congo in an AFCON qualifier on Friday. Bafana Bafana is ranked 59th in the world, while their opponents sit 117th in the FIFA rankings. Hugo Broos’ side has four points from two qualifiers, while Congo has three points.

Bafana Form         

Bafana Bafana finished third in the AFCON earlier this year. They performed well but won only two of their seven matches, with four fixtures ending in draws. Since then, they’ve played two World Cup qualifiers, drawing 1-1 away to Nigeria and beating Zimbabwe 3-1.

After crashing out of the COSAFA Cup with a third-string squad, they played two AFCON qualifying matches in September. A 95th-minute equalizer was needed at home to salvage a disappointing 2-2 draw against Uganda. A few days later, another 95th-minute goal by Thalente Mbatha secured a 3-2 win away at South Sudan.

Bafana Team News

Hugo Broos has made two late changes to his squad, with Jayden Adams dropped and Thalente Mbatha out due to injury. Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Bathusi Aubaas have been called up in their places. Percy Tau and last season’s PSL Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa have been left out.

Defensive midfielder Sphephelo Sithole had surgery in September and will play no part. Thabiso Sesane has received his first call-up after Siyabonga Ngezana was ruled out due to injury. Ronwen Williams is back after missing the September FIFA break.

Bafana Motivation

This is the first of two clashes against Congo during the international break. A win at home is essential after dropping points against Uganda at Orlando Stadium.

Hugo Broos’ side will look to dominate possession and play with plenty of width. A draw would be considered a poor result.

Congo Form

Congo’s form has been poor, with just two wins in the last 20 months across 12 fixtures. They finished third in their AFCON qualification group and missed out on the tournament earlier this year. Since then, they have lost all three of their World Cup qualifiers, starting with a 4-2 away loss to Zambia.

A 3-0 home loss to Niger in Kinshasa was followed by a 6-0 “home” thrashing by Morocco in a match played in the North African country. In September’s first AFCON qualifier, they beat South Sudan 1-0 in Brazzaville but lost 2-0 away to Uganda four days later.

Congo Team News

Coach Isaac Ngata does not have any big names to call upon. However, they have a strong midfield featuring Cagliari’s Antoine Makoumbou and Gaius Makouta of Alanyaspor.

Parma striker Gabriel Charpentier was absent for the last two qualifiers after withdrawing from the squad. Forward Silvère Ganvoula, who scored two goals in recent qualifiers, is their key goalscoring threat.

DR Congo Motivation

A draw on the road would be a good result on paper, keeping their qualification hopes alive if they can win the return fixture in four days’ time.

Expect the Congolese to sit deep in two banks of four. They will play a direct, long-ball game with fast counters and focus on set-pieces.

Key Stats

South Africa is unbeaten in 15 matches (excluding penalty shootouts)

South Africa has drawn 8 of their last 12 matches

South Africa has scored 14 goals in their last 8 matches

Congo has lost 5 of their last 8 matches

Congo has conceded 20 goals in their last 8 matches (scoring 6 goals)

Congo has failed to score in 3 of their 4 matches against Bafana Bafana

Verdict

All the stats point to a Bafana Bafana win at home. A tight contest is likely, and it may take a late goal to secure all three points.

Best Bet: South Africa to win to nil at 2.20

High-Value Bet: South Africa to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.40

Correct Score Tip: South Africa 1-0 Congo at 5.75