The match in the international tournament among national teams from Southern Africa kicks off at 16:00. Football enthusiasts are in for a thrilling showdown between South Africa and Mozambique.
South Africa's team is one of the strongest representatives of the continent when considering participation in international competitions. Currently, the South African national team holds the 59th spot in the FIFA rankings, a commendable position for African teams.
Having appeared in the World Cup three times, they are also regulars in the Africa Cup of Nations. In the 2023 tournament, the South African team claimed the bronze medal.
Over the last five official matches, South Africa remains unbeaten. They have accumulated four points in two World Cup qualifying matches. They managed to clinch a victory against Zimbabwe, while they held their ground for a draw against the more formidable Nigerian team.
The Mozambique national team has never competed in major international tournaments when considering the World Cups. In the Africa Cup of Nations, Mozambique is less frequent, making five appearances among Africa's top teams.
Mozambique's journey in the continental competition has always ended at the group stage. The team currently sits at 110th place in the FIFA rankings, a respectable spot for African teams. Their recent World Cup qualifiers were successful, achieving narrow victories against Guinea and Somalia.
In their last five encounters, South Africa has the edge with three victories. In 2022, Mozambique won against South Africa in a penalty shootout, though they didn't score in regular play.
South Africa will emerge victorious. As the hosts, they are objectively stronger than their less experienced Mozambican opponents. South Africa, the current bronze medallist of the Africa Cup of Nations, faces a Mozambique team that rarely advances past the group stage.
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