Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed his starting XI for the 2025 AFCON Qualifier against Congo Brazzaville at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with captain Ronwen Williams making a return.
Williams sat out South Africa’s two previous matches through injury and will provide a huge boost for the hosts ahead of this evening’s tie after Bafana allowed four goals to be shipped in.
With Uganda and South Sudan facing off in the earlier kick off, Bafana will be hoping that the results from that tie sway their way as they aim to finally take control of Group K.
Broos’ charges survived had to settle for a point in their 2-2 draw against Uganda at Orlando Stadium with Thalente Mbatha netting a stoppage time to steal a point.
Away from home against South Sudan, Bafana again needed Mbatha’s last-minute goal to get all three points. The big blow is that Mbatha and Siyabonga Ngezana are not available for this clash after picking up injuries.
In terms of head-to-head, South Africa holds a superior record against Congo in the 10 outings dating back to 1992. Bafana have secured five wins as opposed to Congo’s one, with four matches ending in draws.
The last time these two sides met was in 2014 in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier when Bafana ran out 2-0 victors in Brazzaville before a goalless draw in the return leg in Polokwane.
Bafana Starting XI: Williams (c), Dortley, Kekana, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Aubaas, Appollis, Zwane, Foster, Mokwana
Subs: Goss, Chaine, Mobbie, Basadien, Le Roux, Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Kwayiba, Rayners, Sibisi, Sesane, Morena
[tbc]Congo Starting XI:
Subs:
