South Africa v DR Congo – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

South Africa faces Congo DR in the African Cup of Nations third-place playoff on Saturday. Bafana Bafana lost on penalties in the semi-final to Nigeria whilst The Leopards were defeated by hosts, Ivory Coast. These teams met in a friendly back in September 2023 which South Africa won 1-0.

South Africa Form         

South Africa faces Congo DR in the African Cup of Nations third-place playoff on Saturday. Bafana Bafana lost on penalties in the semi-final to Nigeria whilst The Leopards were defeated by hosts, Ivory Coast. These teams met in a friendly back in September 2023 which South Africa won 1-0.

In the round of 16, Hugo Broos’ team scored late to seal a 2-0 win over Morocco after a missed penalty by their opponents. Some Ronwen Williams heroics in gaol sealed a win on penalties in the quarter-final after a 0-0 stalemate vs Cape Verde after extra time. On Wednesday, a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes vs Nigeria was followed by a defeat on penalties to the Super Eagles.

South Africa Team News

Winger Thapelo Maseko is ruled out for this match due to injury. Grant Kekana will play no part at the back due to suspension, so Siyanda Xulu could start once again. Thapelo Morena is pushing for a recall down the right.

Coach Hugo Broos may consider a bit of rotation for this clash. Zakhele Lepasa could lead the line in preference to Evidence Makgopa. Terrence Mashego, Nyiko Mobbie, and Thabang Monare are others who could be handed a chance to start.

South Africa Motivation

Bafana Bafana have been disciplined and steady in this tournament with little focus on dominating possession.

They will want to win this match and end on a good note. A more open and attacking style may be seen.

DR Congo Form

Congo DR have overperformed at the AFCON, especially coming into the tournament with just one win in seven fixtures. They drew all three of their group games as they began with a dominant 1-1 draw vs Zambia (25 shots and 2.54 Expected Goals). A fine 1-1 draw vs Morocco and a 0-0 stalemate vs Tanzania followed.

In the last 16, they drew again after extra time (1-1 vs Egypt) before winning on spot-kicks. Their 3-1 win over Guinea in the last eight was their first victory of the AFCON. Their last match saw a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast. They were outshot 14-7 but the game was largely pretty even otherwise.

DR Congo Team News

Coach Sebastien Desabre could rotate his XI somewhat for this match. Dylan Batubinsika is pushing for a start in the back four. Gael Kakuta returned from injury to start against Cote d’Ivoire but only lasted 45 minutes.

Up front, both Braga forward Simon Banza and Fiston Mayele will hope for a chance to start. Theo Bongonda may come into the lineup in the engine room.

DR Congo Motivation

The Leopards will hope to finish third and will take this match very seriously.

This fixture is not expected to be cagey as neither side will be eager for another extra-time stint or another penalty shootout.

Key Stats

South Africa have only seen one team on target in 7 of their 8 matches

South Africa have kept 4 clean sheets in the last 5 matches

South Africa’s last 15 AFCON matches have seen them score more than 1 goal on just 2 occasions

Congo DR have lost 3 of their last 5 matches vs South Africa

Congo DR have won 2 of their last 13 matches

Congo DR have drawn 4 of their 6 matches in this AFCON

Verdict

This should be a good game and Bafana Bafana are favoured. They have a strong record vs the Congolese. A 1-0 win may be on the cards.

Best Bet: South Africa win (90 minutes) at 3.20

Alternate Bet: South Africa clean sheet (90 minutes) at 3.55

Correct Score: South Africa 1-0 Congo DR at 8.50

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis