South Africa vs DR Congo Preview and Prediction
South Africa vs DR Congo Match Preview
- Tournament – AFCON 3rd-place match
- Date – Saturday, February 10
- Kick-off Time – 08:00 pm GMT
- Venue – Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium
In a tournament that has been full of surprises in the ongoing edition, South Africa will take on DR Congo in the third-place match of the AFCON 2024. Both sides have had a great tournament so far but failed to make it past the semi-final stage.
South Africa finished second in their group, beating Namibia, drawing against Tunisia, and losing against Mali. They then beat Morocco in the Round of 16 and Cape Verde on penalties in the quarter-finals.
However, they came up short in the semi-finals, losing on penalties against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, DR Congo also finished second in their group, drawing against Zambia, Morocco, and Tanzania. They then beat one of the tournament favorites Egypt on penalties in the Round of 16 before getting past Guinea in the quarter-finals.
Congo then lost 1-0 against Ivory Coast in the semi-finals and will now face South Africa in the third-place match.
Also Read: Nigeria Advances to AFCON Final After Dramatic VAR Interventions
Team and Injury News
South Africa will be without Grant Kekana after his sending-off against Nigeria in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, DR Congo are missing Edo Kayembe due to a calf injury.
Predicted Lineups
South Africa:
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Siyanda Xulu, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi
Midfielders: Themba Zwane, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau
Attackers: Evidence Makgopa
DR Congo:
Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpase-Nzau
Defenders: Arthur Masuaku, Henoc Inonga Baka, Chancel Mbemba, Gedeon Kalulu
Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Gael Kakuta
Attackers: Meschack Elia, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa
Head-to-Head
The two sides have faced off just once previously, that too in a friendly. South Africa won that clash 1-0.
Last results:
South Africa 1-0 DR Congo – AFCON – September 12, 2023
Prediction
Both sides did extremely well to defy expectations to reach the semi-finals of the AFCON 2024 but failed to get to the final.
South Africa lost their first game of the campaign but bounced back well. Meanwhile, DR Congo were unbeaten throughout the tournament before losing in the semi-finals.
While both sides have fought hard at AFCON 2024, South Africa’s semi-final against Nigeria went into extra time and penalties. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast beat Congo in 90 minutes.
Hence, fatigue could play a part in the third-place match, allowing Congo to nick the bronze medal.
Predicted Score: South Africa 1-2 DR Congo
Also Read: Nigeria vs Ivory Coast Preview and Prediction
Odds (subject to change)
South Africa win – 3.45
DR Congo win – 2.38
Draw – 3.25
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Where to Watch
- India – Fancode app & site
- UK – Sky Sports
- US – BeIN Sports
- South Africa- SABC
- DR Congo- iPlayer