Tonight, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha will host a high-stakes AFCON 2025 qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Congo Brazzaville. With both teams eyeing a spot in the prestigious tournament set to take place in Morocco, this matchup could prove pivotal in shaping their respective paths to the continental stage.

Bafana Bafana enters the contest as favourites, ranked 11th in Africa, compared to Congo’s lower position of 29th. While these rankings suggest a gap in quality, the outcome of the match will be decided on the field, where past records and statistics hold little weight. South Africa will need to bring their best to maintain their edge over a determined Congolese side.

Historically, South Africa has held the upper hand in this rivalry, winning three of their last six encounters, alongside two draws and a single defeat. This track record might offer a psychological advantage to Bafana Bafana, but underestimating Congo could be costly. The Congolese will undoubtedly aim to change the narrative and secure a result that boosts their qualification hopes.

The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams employing contrasting styles. Bafana Bafana will rely on their mix of youthful talent and experienced heads to control the game, looking to break down Congo’s defense with swift, attacking play. Their ability to dictate the tempo could be a key factor in unlocking the Congolese backline.

Conversely, Congo is likely to adopt a counter-attacking strategy, capitalizing on their physical strength and pouncing on any lapses in South Africa’s defensive setup. Their approach could make the game an end-to-end affair, testing the composure of both defenses under pressure.

Bafana Bafana’s journey to the AFCON 2025 qualifiers began on a positive note, as they gathered four points from their first two matches—a draw against Uganda and a victory over South Sudan. However, tonight’s game will test their depth, with several key players unavailable for selection. Midfield enforcer Sphephelo Sithole, crucial goal-scorer Thalente Mbatha, and Percy Tau, who opted out of the squad, are all notable absences.

The absence of these pivotal figures places added pressure on the remaining squad members,. Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng will also be looked upon to make his mark and add a fresh dynamic to the South African attack.

This will be the first encounter between Bafana Bafana and Congo in a decade, their last meeting being a goalless draw during the 2015 AFCON qualifiers in Polokwane. The memory of that stalemate will linger, but both teams are aware that tonight’s clash holds much more significance, with direct qualification implications for the 2025 tournament.

Playing at home, Bafana Bafana will hope the support of the Gqeberha crowd spurs them on to victory. The atmosphere at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is expected to be electric, as fans rally behind their national team in pursuit of a crucial three points.

Congo, however, will be motivated by their own aspirations. They know that an upset win or even a draw against South Africa could boost their chances of securing a spot in Morocco. This determination makes them a dangerous opponent, capable of springing surprises when least expected.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides. A win for Bafana Bafana would keep them on track in their qualifying campaign, while a positive result for Congo could alter the dynamics of Group C. With the pressure mounting, players on both sides will need to rise to the occasion.

As kickoff draws near, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with drama and excitement. Both teams have much to prove, and the outcome will hinge on which side can manage the nerves and execute their game plan effectively.

Will Bafana Bafana leverage their home advantage and take a step closer to the 2025 AFCON, or will Congo defy the odds and shake up the group standings? Tonight’s match is set to provide the answers in a gripping display of African football.