Congo Republic Vs South Africa

On Tuesday, the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat will witness a high-stakes clash as Congo hosts South Africa in the fourth round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. With crucial points on the line, both teams will approach this fixture with contrasting ambitions and recent form.

For Congo, a victory is essential to keep their AFCON qualification dream alive ahead of the final set of matches in November. Their campaign has faltered after a promising start, and a loss here would severely dent their chances of making it to the continental tournament for the first time in a decade. On the other hand, South Africa enters this match with a golden opportunity to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON finals, set to be hosted in Morocco. A win in Brazzaville would confirm their qualification and cap off a dominant run in the group stage.

Match Preview: South Africa Riding High, Congo in Desperate Need of Points

South Africa is currently experiencing a footballing renaissance under the leadership of Hugo Broos, who took charge of the team in 2021. The Bafana Bafana have been unbeaten in their last 11 matches, including a stunning 5-0 demolition of Congo in their previous encounter just a few days ago. That victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium sent a strong message across the continent: South Africa is back as a serious force in African football.

In the first leg, South Africa showcased their attacking prowess, with Teboho Mokoena stealing the show by scoring twice in the first half. His efforts set the tone for a one-sided affair that saw further goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, and Iqraam Rayners. The emphatic win has catapulted Broos’s team to second place in their qualifying group, trailing only Uganda, who top the group on goal difference.

South Africa’s Recent Form and AFCON Ambitions

The rise of South Africa has been remarkable under Broos, whose experience and tactical acumen have revitalized the national side. After years of inconsistent performances, the Bafana Bafana now look like genuine contenders in African football once again. Their recent performances have given fans plenty of optimism, not only for qualification but for a successful run in next year’s AFCON finals.

In the last edition of the tournament, held earlier this year in Ivory Coast, South Africa achieved a commendable third-place finish, defeating DR Congo in a tense penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal. While the tournament fell short of their ultimate aspirations, it provided a strong foundation for future success. Now, with their place at the 2025 AFCON within reach, Broos will be keen to guide his team to even greater heights.

South Africa’s attacking threat has been particularly noteworthy throughout this qualifying campaign. With 10 goals to their name—the joint-most in the competition so far—they have been clinical in front of goal, a stark contrast to the struggles of previous years. Players like Mokoena, Foster, and Rayners have formed a potent frontline, and they will look to carry that momentum into Brazzaville on Tuesday. A victory here would not only seal their spot in Morocco but also send a statement to the rest of the continent that South Africa means business.

Congo’s Struggles: A Tough Year for the Red Devils

While South Africa is enjoying a resurgence, Congo has found themselves mired in a difficult period. Their qualifying campaign began with a promising 1-0 victory over South Sudan back in September, but it has been downhill since then. A 2-0 defeat to Uganda in their second match was followed by the humiliating 5-0 loss to South Africa last Friday, leaving the Red Devils in a precarious position in Group K.

Congo’s interim manager, Isaac Ngata, has been unable to turn the tide since taking over from Paul Put on a temporary basis in 2023. Ngata’s tenure has been marred by inconsistency and a lack of results, with just one win in six matches in 2024. The team has lost four of their last five games in all competitions, and their AFCON hopes are now hanging by a thread.

Ngata’s struggles come at a time when Congo is desperately trying to rebuild after years of underachievement. The team has not qualified for the AFCON since 2015, and the current campaign appears to be slipping away from them. Sitting third in Group K, four points behind both South Africa and Uganda, Congo’s chances of making it to Morocco are slim. A loss on Tuesday, combined with a win for Uganda, would effectively eliminate them from contention, making this match a must-win for the Red Devils.

Congo’s Inconsistency: A Lingering Problem

One of Congo’s biggest issues throughout 2024 has been their inconsistency in both defense and attack. Despite a solid start against South Sudan, they have failed to score in their last two matches while conceding seven goals in the process. Their defense, in particular, has been porous, struggling to contain the opposition’s attacks, as evidenced by their capitulation against South Africa.

The lack of firepower up front has also been a major concern for Ngata’s side. With just one goal in three matches, Congo’s attack has been largely ineffective, and they will need to find a way to break down a disciplined South African defense if they are to stand any chance on Tuesday.

Key players like Antoine Makoubou, who has been one of Congo’s few bright spots, will need to step up and deliver a performance that can inspire the team. Makoubou, who plies his trade in Serie A with Cagliari, has been a steady presence in midfield, but he will need more support from his teammates if Congo is to pose a threat to South Africa.

Managerial Uncertainty: Ngata’s Future in Doubt

The uncertainty surrounding Isaac Ngata’s future has also added to Congo’s woes. Appointed on an interim basis following the departure of Paul Put, Ngata has struggled to make a significant impact during his tenure. While the 59-year-old has been commended for his tactical knowledge and experience in African football, the results have not followed, and it is unlikely that he will be offered the role on a permanent basis.

Ngata’s inability to stabilize the team has led to growing frustration among fans and officials alike. If Congo fails to qualify for the AFCON, it is almost certain that a new manager will be brought in to lead the team forward. For now, though, Ngata will be focused on trying to salvage the qualifying campaign, knowing that anything less than a win on Tuesday will spell the end of Congo’s AFCON dreams.

South Africa’s Strong Qualifying Campaign

As Congo grapples with their internal struggles, South Africa’s focus remains firmly on securing their qualification in style. The Bafana Bafana have been one of the standout teams in the qualifying campaign, with their unbeaten run highlighting the progress they have made under Hugo Broos.

Broos, a veteran coach with a wealth of experience in African football, has transformed South Africa into a well-organized and efficient team. Their defense has been solid, conceding just two goals in three matches, while their attack has been free-flowing and dangerous. The 5-0 win over Congo was the perfect example of their attacking fluidity, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline.

Tuesday’s match presents an opportunity for South Africa to cap off their qualifying campaign with another statement performance. With Uganda also in action on the same day, Broos will be keen to ensure that his team secures the three points and keeps the pressure on their group rivals. Should both South Africa and Uganda win, the final round of matches in November will be a thrilling conclusion to the group stage, with top spot still up for grabs.

Key Players to Watch

For South Africa, Teboho Mokoena will once again be a player to watch. The 26-year-old midfielder has been in fine form throughout the qualifiers, and his brace against Congo last week showcased his ability to influence matches from the middle of the park. Mokoena’s partnership with Bathusi Aubaas has been a key factor in South Africa’s success, providing both defensive solidity and attacking impetus.

Lyle Foster, who plays his club football for Burnley in the English Premier League, will also be looking to add to his tally after getting on the scoresheet last time out. Foster’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat, and he will be eager to help South Africa book their place in Morocco.

For Congo, Antoine Makoubou will need to lead by example if they are to have any chance of turning their fortunes around. The midfielder has been a consistent performer for his club and country, but he will need to inspire those around him in what is a do-or-die match for the Red Devils.

Conclusion: South Africa Favorites, but Congo Desperate for a Result

As the two teams prepare to face off in Brazzaville, South Africa will enter the match as clear favorites, given their recent form and the gulf in class between the two sides. However, Congo’s desperation for points could make this a challenging encounter for the visitors.

For South Africa, a win would confirm their place at the 2025 AFCON, a goal they have been working towards throughout the qualifying campaign. For Congo, anything less than three points would spell the end of their qualification hopes, making this a must-win game for Isaac Ngata’s men.

With so much at stake, Tuesday’s clash promises to be an intense and exciting affair, as both teams battle for crucial points in their quest to reach Morocco.