Bafana Bafana are currently in second place in Group K with four points from two games.
Hugo Broos’ side needed a late goal from Thalente Mbatha to draw 2-2 with Uganda and another late strike from the Orlando Pirates attacker in the 3-2 win over South Sudan.
WATCH: Will Bafana Bafana claim maximum points in their CAF 2025 AFCON qualifier?
Victory in the home and away leg over Congo will see Bafana take their place at the AFCON finals to kick off on 21 December 2025.
Isaac N’Gata’s Congo are, meanwhile, in third place in the group with three points, from a 2-0 defeat to Uganda and 1-0 victory over South Sudan.
South Africa hosts the first meeting at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Friday at 19:00.
How to watch
South African Football Association (SAFA) and SABC recently announced a new deal for broadcast rights.
The match will be on public broadcaster’s platforms including TV channels, SABC 2, SABC Sport, and different radio stations.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
South Africa 4/10 | Draw 29/10 | Congo 6/1
Despite Bafana’s struggles in their last two matches, they are still the stronger side in this fixture and will have extra motivation in this one, provided by their home fans.
We tip South Africa to win & over 2.5 goals at 5/4.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, located in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, was a prominent venue during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
This iconic stadium, named after South Africa’s first democratically elected president, has hosted matches featuring world-renowned teams like Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Uruguay, and South Korea.
While it serves as the home ground for the Premier Soccer League’s Chippa United, the stadium also caters to rugby matches.
With a capacity of 46,000, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will serve as a fitting twelfth man tonight.
Last meeting
The two sides last met 10 years ago during the 2015 Afcon qualifiers and that clash ended in a goalless draw in Polokwane.
Players to watch
Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane is set to reach a significant milestone tonight as the team faces Congo Brazzaville in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. If he takes the field at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Zwane will earn his 50th cap for South Africa.
Alongside captain Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau, both with 46 caps each, Zwane is one of the most experienced players in the Bafana Bafana squad aiming to secure a place in the continental tournament to be held in Morocco next year.