Bafana Bafana move on to host DR Congo in an international friendly at the Orlando Stadium after playing to a goalless draw with Namibia on Saturday.
South Africa vs DR Congo
International Friendly
Tuesday, 12 September 2023 – 17:00
Orlando Stadium
South Africa
Bafana will need to build on from that solid performance against Namibia in the weekend. They produced some good passages of paly but were unlucky not to find the back of the net. Now, with the likes of Percy Tau, Lyle Foster, Zakhele Lepasa and others tipped to start against Congo, our eyes are itching to see just where we are in terms of readiness for the AFCON next year.
That share of the spoils with Namibia pointed out a few good talking points along with some notable displays in national team colours from Saleng, Margemean and Sithole, but a win is needed when Congo visit.
The stage is basically set for the hots to claim a win here, but also just showcase the level of diversity and football heritage the Bafana squad boasts.
With a long injury list including first choice personnel such as Khuliso Mudau, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Luke le Roux, Thapelo Morena and Teboho Mokoena, one can only be optimistic about the bright future of the national team.
To Win Match
Bafana Bafana 21/20 | Draw 2/1 | DR Congo 28/10
DR Congo
Théo Bongonda opened the scoring for the leopards in their 2-0 victory over Sudan when the sides met on Saturday at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The hosts clearly had a game plan to get on the front foot in the early stages of the match, and executed that plan to perfection.
However, they showed glimpses of being uncertain at the back, with a few passes from Batubinsika not finding their intended targets. These are areas where Bafana will look to punish Congo on Tuesday, and the likes of Percy Tau, Lyle Foster and Zakhele Lepasa can be trusted to be a nuisance for the opposition defence.
Meshack Elia is one player to watch closely in that Congolese frontline. The winger has tricky feet and will undoubtedly be looking to make dangerous darts into the Bafana box in search of a foul in the box.
Verdict: South Africa to lead at half-time – 17/10
South Africa are aiming for nothing less than a win here and will need to create a lot of chances in order to bag it. But the hunger of Lyle Foster and Zakhele Lepasa will be too much for the Congolese defence to deal with. I think there will be goals in this one, but Bafana to open the scoring in the first half.
