As the African Cup of Nations qualifiers draw to a close, South Africa and South Sudan are set to face off at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. While South Africa have already secured their place in the prestigious tournament in Morocco, this final match presents an opportunity for both teams to make a statement, albeit for very different reasons.
With qualification already in the bag, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has his sights set on fine-tuning his squad. The Belgian tactician has made it clear that this game is less about the result and more about preparation for the challenges ahead in Morocco.
South Africa, who defeated South Sudan in their only previous meeting, will be looking to maintain their positive form. The likes of Themba Zwane and Percy Tau are expected to play key roles, although Broos may also rotate the squad to give fringe players valuable minutes on the pitch.
For South Sudan, this match represents a chance to showcase their growth and resilience on the continental stage. With their qualification hopes already dashed, the Bright Stars have nothing to lose and everything to gain as they aim to leave a lasting impression.
Coach Nicholas Dupuis has instilled a fighting spirit in his team, and they will be eager to test themselves against a higher-ranked opponent.
Players like Valentino Yuel and Tito Okello, known for their attacking flair, will be key as South Sudan aim to spring a surprise in Cape Town.
The FNB Stadium is expected to host a vibrant crowd as South African fans come out to celebrate their team’s successful qualification campaign. For many, this match will serve as a preview of what Bafana Bafana could offer in Morocco, reigniting hopes of a strong showing in the tournament.
South Sudan, on the other hand, will be keen to embrace the spotlight. Despite being eliminated, the Bright Stars view this as an opportunity to gain experience and build confidence for future competitions.
