Congo and South Sudan will launch their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a clash at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Debat on Thursday at 7 pm.
Both teams are keen to turn around recent poor form and make a strong start in Group K, which also includes South Africa and Uganda.
Congo’s recent performances have been disappointing, highlighted by a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Morocco in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
This loss followed a 4-2 defeat against Zambia and has left Congo struggling at the bottom of their World Cup qualifying group.
The Red Devils also had a lackluster showing in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, finishing third in their group and missing out on the tournament for the fourth consecutive edition.
Their last AFCON appearance was in 2015, where they reached the quarter-finals but have since struggled to find form.
Congo’s head coach, Isaac Ngata, has named a squad that includes key players like striker Silvere Ganvoula and veteran goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi.
Despite a run of six games without a win, Ngata’s squad is bolstered by new faces including Kevin Mouanga and Melvin Zinga, which may provide a fresh impetus for the team.
South Sudan, managed by Nicolas Dupuis, is also coming off a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Bright Stars have not won any of their four matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Sudan. South Sudan has struggled with consistency, failing to secure a win in their last nine matches in normal time.
Despite their poor form, South Sudan managed to edge out Sao Tome and Principe on penalties in the AFCON preliminary round.
Dupuis has called up a 24-man squad with notable inclusions such as goalkeeper Juma Genaro and striker Tito Okello, who will be key in leading their attack.
Congo:
Manager: Isaac Ngata
Possible Starting Line-up: Matimbou; Bidounga, Makosso, Passi, Andzouana; Massanga, Ndockyt, Dembi; Bassouamina, Ganvoula, Makouana
Manager: Nicolas Dupuis
Possible Starting Line-up: Mawith; Atendele, Toha, Manyang, Adebo; Morgan, Daniel; Thiago, Manase, Yuel; Okello
Both teams have struggled recently but will be looking to start their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Congo will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage and end their winless streak, while South Sudan will aim to build on their preliminary round success and overcome their recent form issues.
This match promises to be a crucial step for both sides in their quest for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
