AFCON 2015: Congo Aim to Extend Lead with South Africa Clash
Congo will look to solidify their position at the top of Group A when they host South Africa in a crucial third-round Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday. The Red Devils, under veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, have made a perfect start to their campaign and are the only team in the group with two wins from two matches.
Victories away to Nigeria (3-2) and at home against Sudan (2-0) have put Congo in a commanding position. A win against Bafana Bafana in Pointe-Noire would move them five points clear at the summit and leave them on the brink of qualification for the 2015 tournament in Morocco.
“If we win this match, we have one foot in Morocco. We have to get there,” said Le Roy ahead of the match. “South Africa has a good team, but since we’re playing at home, we have to show them that we’re stronger than them. It’s not because we’ve won two matches that we become great.”
South Africa, who sit second in the group with four points, will be aiming to leapfrog the Congolese with a win of their own. Bafana Bafana impressed in their opening matches, defeating Sudan 3-0 away before being held to a goalless draw at home by Nigeria.
Congo’s momentum under Le Roy, a seasoned coach with deep experience on the continent, has surprised many. A win on Saturday would mean they only need a single point from their remaining three fixtures to mathematically guarantee qualification.
Meanwhile, Nigeria — the reigning African champions — find themselves in deep trouble. With just one point from two matches, Stephen Keshi’s Super Eagles are in desperate need of a win in Sudan to revive their campaign. Failure to do so would severely jeopardise their hopes of defending their title in Morocco.
Group A has proven one of the most unpredictable in the qualifiers so far, with Congo emerging as a surprise leader and Nigeria facing unexpected setbacks.
Saturday’s fixtures could prove pivotal, with all three matches carrying significant implications for the group standings and the road to AFCON 2015.
