Sparks will fly as South Africa vs DR Congo takes place on Saturday February 10, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Both teams lost in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) semi-finals, so they'll contend with each other for third-place. Who will reign supreme when all is said and done?
Predicted South Africa vs DR Congo lineups
Grant Kekana was sent off in Bafana Bafana‘s loss to Nigeria's Super Eagles, so he'll be unavailable for selection. Thapelo Maseko is also sidelined with a hamstring injury.
On the other hand, DR Congo have no new absentees heading into this clash.
Both teams are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for this game.
That said, these are our predicted South Africa vs DR Congo lineups:
South Africa
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau.
Strikers: Evidence Makgopa.
DR Congo
Goalkeeper: Lionel M'pasi.
Defenders: Arthur Masuaku, Henoc Inonga, Chancel Mbemba, Gedeon Kalulu.
Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy, Aaron Tshibola, Yoane Wissa, Theó Bongonda, Meschack Elia.
Strikers: Cédric Bakambu.
Confirmed South Africa vs DR Congo lineups
South Africa
Congo DR
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
South Africa vs DR Congo stats
These are some South Africa vs DR Congo stats that might interest you:
- This will be the sixth meeting between South Africa and DR Congo.
- South Africa and DR Congo will meet for the third time at the AFCON.
- South Africa have a perfect two wins from two at the Nations Cup vs DR Congo.
- South Africa won three of five previous encounters between these outfits, losing just once.
- The first South Africa vs DR Congo clash took place in February 1998.
- The most recent South Africa vs DR Congo meeting was played in September 2023.
- South Africa did not concede in four of their six games at AFCON 2023, no team has more clean sheets at this tournament.
South Africa vs DR Congo prediction
In six matches at this tournament, DR Congo managed to win just one at the end of regulation time.
They played out three consecutive draws in the group stages, and their most impressive win at AFCON 2023 was when they defeated an underperforming Egypt on penalties.
By comparison, Bafana Bafana have fared a lot better, beating an in-form Morocco comfortably, and holding their own against Nigeria's Super Eagles.
Keeping in mind that South Africa have a 100 percent win record against DR Congo at the Nations Cup, we are backing them to claim the bronze medal.
On that note, our South Africa vs DR Congo prediction is a victory for Bafana Bafana.
Where to watch South Africa vs DR Congo live
Bafana Bafana fans who reside in South Africa can catch all the action live on SABC Sport and Supersport.
On the other hand, RTNC, New World Sport1, Supersport and AfroSport TV will broadcast this match for those who live in DR Congo.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
