The biggest African match of the international window takes place in Johannesburg on Thursday, as 1996 champions South Africa face four-time winners Ghana.
Beyond being a high-profile showdown, it’s also of critical importance for both teams as they look to reach Cameroon.
They are currently tied on nine points, three clear of third-placed Sudan, but will be conscious that the Falcons of Jediane are overwhelming favourites to defeat Sao Tome e Principe in their gameweek five fixture.
This heaps the pressure on South Africa, who, if they fall against Ghana, then face the prospect of having to go away to Sudan in their final group game with both teams level on nine points.
It would be the kind of high-pressure fixture that hasn’t always suited Bafana Bafana in the past.
Unfortunately for the hosts, Thomas Partey and the Ayew brothers were granted permission to join the squad despite the quarantine consequences of returning to England from South Africa.
However, in Percy Tau — also permitted to depart English football — Bafana have a potential match-winner of their own.
The 26-year-old has struggled at Brighton & Hove Albion after making his debut earlier this year, and will relish the prospect of getting back in action.
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