South Africa's Bafana Bafana will take on DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) as both teams battle for bronze. Which of these outfits will come out on top after 90 minutes?
South Africa vs DR Congo overview
This third-place match will take place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Saturday February 10. Kick-off time is 9 pm WAT.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana fell short in the AFCON 2024 semi-finals, losing to Nigeria on penalties.
Interestingly, the previous time South Africa reached the semi-finals was in 2000, and they lost to Nigeria in the last four.
Bafana Bafana proceeded to win their third-place match, and they'll hope to do the same on Saturday.
DR Congo
On the other hand, DR Congo could not get past Ivory Coast in the semi-final, as they lost to the tournament's hosts by a lone goal.
The two-time AFCON champions will play in a third-place match for the first time since 2015. They have two wins and a loss in three previous third-place games at this tournament.
South Africa vs DR Congo head to head
South Africa and DR Congo first met in the semi-final of AFCON 1998, before clashing in the group stages two years later. On both occasions, Bafana Bafana came out on top.
As it stands, South Africa currently leads the head-to-head between these teams, with three wins, a draw and a loss in their five previous skirmishes.
The most recent encounter between these outfits took place in September last year, where Bafana Bafana came out on top by a lone goal.
South Africa vs DR Congo potential lineups
Hugo Broos will not be able to call upon the services of Grant Kekana. The Mamelodi Sundowns player received his marching orders against Nigeria, so he is suspended for this match.
On the other hand, Sebastien Desabre will be pleased to have no injured or suspended players ahead of this match.
Bafana Bafana will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ronwen Williams starting between the sticks.
The Sundowns goalkeeper is still in contention for the Golden Glove, even though Bafana Bafana lost to Nigeria in the semi-finals.
Similarly, Desabre is expected to adopt the same 4-2-3-1 formation with Cédric Bakambu leading the attack. The Real Betis player is yet to score at AFCON 2024.
With that in mind, 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, Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Morena, Sphephelo Sithole.
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa.
DR Congo
Goalkeeper: Lionel M'pasi.
Defenders: Gedeon Kalulu, Chancel Mbemba, Henoc Inonga, Arthur Masuaku.
Midfielders: Aaron Tshibola, Samuel Moutoussamy, Meschack Elia, Theó Bongonda, Yoane Wissa.
Forwards: Cédric Bakambu.
South Africa vs DR Congo tactical analysis
South Africa have been able to rely on their defence, keeping four clean sheets in six matches.
They allowed just one goal in their last five matches, and it came from a penalty.
Conversely, Bafana Bafana have not been a high-scoring side. They blanked in three of six matches at this tournament, and four of their seven goals came in one game.
On the other hand, DR Congo have scored exactly a goal per game in this competition. They have struggled to keep the goals out, conceding in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
South Africa vs DR Congo prediction
All signs point to a low-scoring affair.
While Bafana Bafana have been solid defensively, they haven't scored plenty of goals.
Likewise, DR Congo are averaging a goal per game, whilst conceding five times in six matches.
On that note, our South Africa vs DR Congo prediction is under 2.5 total goals.
Where to watch South Africa vs DR Congo live
The usual suspects Supersport and SABC Sport will broadcast this match on TV for South Africans.
Likewise, there are a few TV options for fans who reside in DR Congo, including RTNC, AfroSport TV, New World Sport and StarTimes.
