Congo Eye Early AFCON Qualification Boost Ahead of South Africa Clash
Congo are aiming to take a major step toward qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they prepare to host South Africa in a top-of-the-table Group A clash on Saturday.
Claude Le Roy’s Red Devils sit alone at the summit of the group after an impressive start to their qualifying campaign, securing victories against Nigeria (3-2) in Calabar and Sudan (2-0) in Brazzaville. A third straight win could all but seal their place at next year’s tournament in Morocco.
“If we win this match, we have one foot in Morocco,” said head coach Claude Le Roy ahead of the crunch tie. “South Africa have a good team, but we’re playing at home and we must show them we’re stronger.”
Despite the confidence, Le Roy was quick to temper expectations, warning against complacency after just two matches. “It’s not because we’ve won two games that we should think of ourselves as a great team. We still have work to do.”
Congo lead the group with six points, two ahead of South Africa, who arrive in Brazzaville unbeaten after a draw with Nigeria and a win over Sudan. The Bafana Bafana will be looking to leapfrog their hosts and assert dominance in a group where Nigeria, the defending champions, have yet to hit form.
The Super Eagles, with only one point from two matches, face a must-win encounter away to Sudan on Saturday. Anything less than a victory could leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Congo, meanwhile, know that a win against South Africa would put them five points clear at the top, with three matches still to play. In that scenario, Le Roy’s men would only need a point from their remaining fixtures to mathematically secure their place in Morocco.
For the Congolese side, this fixture represents not just an opportunity to consolidate their lead, but also a chance to reaffirm their resurgence on the African football stage under one of the continent’s most experienced managers. Le Roy, a veteran of eight AFCON tournaments, appears to have instilled confidence and tactical discipline in a squad that has long struggled for consistency.
South Africa will arrive in Brazzaville in good spirits, having avoided defeat in their first two outings and keeping clean sheets in both. The team, now under the guidance of coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, is in a transitional phase but has shown promising signs, particularly in defence.
Saturday’s encounter could prove decisive in shaping the race for qualification from Group A. For Congo, victory would mark a giant step toward Morocco. For South Africa, it’s a chance to overtake the leaders and reclaim their own ambitions.
