Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has cautioned his teammates against underestimating Congo Brazzaville ahead of their away match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite a comfortable 5-0 win in the first leg at home, Williams believes Congo will be a much tougher opponent on their own turf. The synthetic pitch and hostile atmosphere at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat will present a new challenge for South Africa.
South Africa thumped the same team 5-0 in their home clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday with Teboho Mokoena (12′, 27′), Bathusi Aubaas (37′), Lyle Foster (52′) and Iqraam Rayners (78′) all on target.
“Obviously we know we are in a different country and we are not at home,” he said as reported by Sowetan Live.
“We can feel it but we have the experience, and we know how to deal with playing away. We have gained valuable experience over the past few years. We have a group of players who have been together for three years .
“So it is for us to go out there and do the best we can do, fight, challenge and be determined in every duel and make sure we keep the fans quiet. The fans can give them energy and boost them.”
A win for South Africa will secure the team’s place at the AFCON finals in Morocco next year.