Preview: South Africa vs. Congo DR - prediction, team news, lineups

Sebastien Desabre's men journey to Soweto on a run of five consecutive victories across all competitions and will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling.

Match preview

South Africa were left spitting feathers on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by a well-drilled Namibia side when the two nations faced off at the Orlando Stadium.

Despite seeing over 70% of the ball possession and being on the front foot for most of the game, the Bafana Bafana were guilty of a lack of cutting edge in the final third as they settled for a share of the spoils for the third straight meeting against Namibia.

Prior to that, Hugo Broos's men enjoyed an impressive outing at the 2023 COSAFA Cup, where they finished third after claiming a penalty-shootout victory over Malawi in the third-place playoff on July 16.

With Saturday's result, the 1996 African champions have now gone five straight friendly matches without defeat, claiming two draws and three wins since a 5-0 hammering at the hands of France in March 2022.

South Africa have also guaranteed their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after picking up seven points from four matches to sit top of Group K with a one-point lead over second-placed Morocco.

Congo DR, on the other hand, capped off what was an impressive AFCON qualifying campaign in style as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Sudan on Saturday.

In a one-sided affair at the Stade des Martyrs, Spartak Moscow man Theo Bongonda and substitute Fiston Mayele scored in either half to hand the hosts all three points.

Desabre's side have now won each of their last five matches across all competitions, including victories in each of their four Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches this year.

Congo DR's last defeat came in the group stages of the African Nations Championship back in January when they were beaten 3-0 by eventual winners Senegal at the 19 May 1956 Stadium.

Next up for the Leopards is an opposing side who are unbeaten in three or the last four meetings between the nations, claiming two wins and one draw since February 1988.

South Africa friendly form:

South Africa form (all competitions):

Congo DR friendly form:

Congo DR form (all competitions):

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Team News

Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who has scored two of the Clarets' three Premier League goals this season, should spearhead South Africa's attack once again.

He should be joined in the final third by Kobamelo Kodisang and Orlando Pirates man Monnapule Saleng, while Sphephelo Sithole, Grant Margeman and 28-year-old Bathusi Aubaas should form the midfield trio once again.

Off the back of a solid defensive display against Namibia, Thabiso Monyane, Siyanda Xulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Innocent Maela could retain their roles in the back four, with 32-year-old Veli Mothwa starting in goal.

On the other hand, Mayele turned in a superb cameo against Sudan on Friday and could be rewarded with a place in the Congo DR XI, potentially teaming up with Cedric Bakambu in attack.

Brentford man Yoane Wissa will also push for a place in the Leopards' starting side, having come off the bench last week, while Olympique Marseille man Chancel Mbemba should wear the captain's armband once again.

South Africa possible starting lineup:

Mothwa; Monyane, Xulu, Sibisi, Maela; Sithole, Margeman, Aubaas; Saleng, Forster, Kodisang

Congo DR possible starting lineup:

M'Pasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Batubinsika, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Kakuta, Wissa; Bakambu

We say: South Africa 1-1 Congo DR

South Africa are in for another tough 90 minutes against a spirited Congo DR side who have won each of their last five matches since March. However, the Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 matches and we see them holding out for a draw in this one.

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