South Africa will lock horns with Congo Brazzaville in a back-to-back AFCON qualifiers this weekend as they look to secure their place in the continental showpiece.
The first match will take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday, October 11th.
Afrik-Foot looks at three key players to watch from each team.
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS TO WATCH WHEN BAFANA TAKE ON CONGO
Bafana Bafana
- Lyle Foster
Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster is eager to prove himself and regain the respect of South African fans after facing criticism for choosing to play for his club instead of representing Bafana Bafana at the AFCON earlier this year.
The 24-year-old has made a solid start to the season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in nine appearances for Burnley across all competitions.
Foster's last goal for Bafana came against Uganda.
- Oswin Appollis
Following his failed moves to MC Alger, Esperance, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, Appollis will surely want to demonstrate his abilities further to keep attention on him.
He has become a vital member of the national team, scoring a brace in South Africa's 3-2 victory over South Sudan.
- Relebohile Mofokeng
Relebohile Mofokeng continues to impress for Orlando Pirates this season. He scored a goal and registered an assist in their recent 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8.
The 19-year-old winger has also made a positive impact for Bafana Bafana in his three appearances for the national team whenever he came off the bench.
Congo
- Merveil Ndockyt (HNK Gorica)
The attacking midfielder plies his trade in Croatian league, having joined Gorica this season. He has scored one goal in eight games and has already established himself as a regular in the starting line-up.
He has also played for some Spanish La Liga clubs including FC Barcelona, Getafe and RCD Mallorca.
- Antoine Makoumbou (Cagliari)
Makoumbou currently plays in one of the best leagues in the world, Serie A. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder joined Cagliari in 2022 and is featuring regularly for the side.
He has been affected by injuries this season, playing only five games across all competitions.
- Silvere Ganvoula (Young Boys)
Ganvoula is the centre-forward that Congo can rely on for goals. The 28-year-old plays for Young Boys in Turkey.
He has already found the back of the net on four occasions in seven appearances in the league this season.
