Sports Mole previews Friday's World Cup Qualifying - Africa clash between South Sudan and Congo DR, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo will square off at the Juba National Stadium on Friday afternoon in Group B of CAF's World Cup qualifiers.
The hosts have endured a difficult campaign, while the Leopards are eyeing another three points to strengthen their grip on top spot.
Match preview
Nicolas Dupuis' men have found life tough in this qualification campaign, failing to win any of their six outings so far.
Three draws against Mauritania, Togo, and Sudan provided flickers of promise, yet they have lacked the firepower to turn stalemates into wins.
Their record of just two goals scored across the entire series tells its own story, and the inability to convert half-chances into something more substantial has left them firmly out of contention for a place at the next stage.
On home soil, the picture has been no brighter. Their only qualifier at the Juba National Stadium so far ended in defeat, and a wider glance at their recent home form underlines the struggle to make their stadium a fortress.
By contrast, DR Congo have positioned themselves as one of the frontrunners. They top Group B with 13 points from six matches, registering four wins and a draw in that time.
Their defensive record has been particularly impressive, with clean sheets in their last three competitive fixtures highlighting a newfound solidity under coach Sébastien Desabre.
History offers little comfort to the hosts either, as the only previous meeting between the sides ended in a 1-0 win for Congo DR.
With the Leopards enjoying a 67% win rate in their recent away fixtures, they travel with confidence of extending that record.
South Sudan World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:
L D D L L D
South Sudan form (all competitions):
L W W L L D
Congo DR World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:
L W W L L D
Congo DR form (all competitions):
W W L W W L
Team News
South Sudan are expected to lean once again on Valentino Yuel as their focal point in attack, with the winger-turned-forward tasked with stretching the defence and offering a goal threat.
Behind him, Peter Chol is likely to occupy the creative midfield role, charged with supplying passes into dangerous areas. Defensively, the experienced trio of Peter Maker, Rashid Toha, and Samuel Taban should start, with Joseph Dhata completing the back line.
DR Congo have named a strong squad and are boosted by the inclusion of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is in line for his second senior appearance after pledging his international future to the Leopards.
Sebastien Desabre also has attacking threats in Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, while Axel Tuanzebe and Chancel Mbemba are reliable options at the back. Crucially, the visitors have no injuries or suspensions hampering their preparations.
South Sudan possible starting lineup:
Bertaud; Masuaku, Batubinsika, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; E. Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Pickel; Wissa, Bakambu, Banza
Congo DR possible starting lineup:
Bertaud; Masuaku, Batubinsika, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; E. Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Pickel; Wissa, Bakambu, Banza
We say: South Sudan 0-2 Congo DR
South Sudan's home support may inject some energy into their performance, but their lack of a consistent cutting edge makes it difficult to see them troubling a Congo side that has grown more efficient as the qualifiers have progressed. With superior individual talent and tactical organisation, the Leopards should claim another clean-sheet victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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