South Africa vs Congo Prediction: The Red Devils will struggle to find their footing against the hosts

On Friday, last year's AFCON runner-up, Bafana Bafana of South Africa, will hit the ground running when they face off against Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The hosts will pull out all the stops to secure the maximum points against their opponent, who are looking to return to the competition since 2015. 

FIFA Ranking: 59th

Last five games: DDWDW

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa have been firing on all cylinders lately, with ten games without defeat. South Africa head here with a (2-3) victory over South Sudan on the road. Thalente Mbatha saved South Africa from their blushes when he came on to score the winner in the 95th minute. The victory wasn’t a convincing one, as they conceded twice against a South Sudan side. South Africa have now failed to keep a clean sheet over their previous six matches in all competitions. 

South Africa's last appearance in this campaign earned them seven points from a combined twelve, finishing in second spot behind Morocco. Hugo Broos' men have invited an experienced side for this engagement, and we expect them to be stronger here.

FIFA Ranking: 117th

Last five games: LDLWL

The Red Devils woes continue as they suffered a (2-0) loss against Uganda on the road. Congo, who marched into the game with the aim of securing a point at least, were stunned as they conceded a goal apiece in both halves. After securing their first three points this year, scoring once against South Sudan in the opening game, Congo failed to impress against Uganda. Congo's form have retrogressed over the years, and after a poor run in the AFCON Qualifier, Congo Brazzaville will try their luck this time. 

Congo have some top-quality players but have failed to work as a team in recent games. Congo's last appearance in the AFCON Qualifier earned them a third-place finish, securing seven points from a possible eighteen. 

South Africa have won once and drawn a game in their last meetings against Congo. Bafana Bafana boys have been in top gear lately, extending their undefeated run to nine in all competitions. South Africa have been poor defensively, as they have conceded four goals already in this group. We can’t guarantee them a clean sheet here, and we think this game will produce more than two goals for 1.95.

South Africa can't afford to lose here because a defeat can halt their dream of playing in the next edition of the AFCON Championship. 

We expect the hosts to win before the break for 2.11.

Good luck!