Bafana Bafana are set to host Congo in their third game of Group K in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Afcon, qualifier to be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Coach Hugo Broos is missing the services of his defender Siyabonga Ngezana who was injured turning out for his Romanian outfit FCSB paving the way for Orlando Pirates Academy graduate Thabiso Sesane.
Midfielder Thalente Mbatha is another player who is out owing to an injury, giving Bathusi Aubaas a chance to prove his worth for the national team. Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane has been handed his 50th appearance.
Who is back for Bafana Bafana?
Percy Tau is another player who is missing after Broos left him out of the final squad. nevertheless, captain Ronwen Williams is back in the team after missing the last two outings owing to a shoulder injury.
Congo are missing Chandrel Massanga who scored the winning goal against South Sudan due to an injury. Antoine Makoumbou is also nursing an injury which puts him out of the Friday game in Mzansi.
Bryan Passi is suspended but will be available for the Tuesday assignment but Fred Dembi is set to arrive on Saturday.
Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with Uganda in their first game in Group K, before claiming a 3-2 win away against South Sudan.
The Red Devils beat the Bright Stars by a solitary goal in their first game but fell 2-0 against Cranes in their second outing away.
Starting XI for Bafana and Congo
Bafana Bafana 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
Congo XI: Mafoumbi, Poaty, Andzouana, Bidounga, Makosso, Otanga, Makouta, Ndockyt, Mboungou, Bassouamina, Ibayi
Subs: Vimalin, Bonazebi, Mbemba, Fauriel, Etou, Ossete, Loulendo, Andzouono, Binstouka, Ganvoula
Where can I watch?
Those who have not managed to go to the stadium can follow proceedings on SABC 2 or online on SABC+