THURSDAY, 1.30PM:
A 22-MAN Congo national soccer squad arrived in the country on Wednesday. Congo will play against Bafana Bafana in a make-or-break World Cup qualifying match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The Congolese embassy in South Africa took the players and their officials to a Sandton hotel after they rejected transport provided and the lodgings arranged by the SA Football Association at Hillbrow’s Johannesburger Hotel. The Congolese feared possible reprisals for the hostile reception Bafana Bafana received in Pointe Noir in their first encounter earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana defender Mark Fish called on Bafana Bafana supporters not to retaliate against the Congolese. “We want Congo to enjoy the South African hospitality and then wallop them on the field of play,” he said.
He said Congo will face Bafana Bafana’s wrath on the field. Both countries are on top of Group Three with 10 points eac,h with SA ahead on goal difference. South Africa only need a draw to qualify for the finals in France next year.
Meanwhile, Congolese coach Jean Benezet would not say where and when the squad will start training. “I’m not prepared to discuss tactics or our plans, you’ll see what we have come to do on the pitch on Saturday,” he said.