Niger vs South Africa: 2025 CHAN match preview, prediction

On August 15, 2025, kicking off at 17:00 UTC (18:00 WAT), Niger and South Africa clash at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala for a pivotal Group C encounter in the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). With South Africa chasing a knockout berth and Niger desperate for their first points, this match promises intrigue. Here is a detailed preview exploring both teams’ performances, tactics, predicted lineups, and a scoreline prediction, drawing on the latest available data.

Niger team performances

Niger, known as the Mena, have struggled in their fifth CHAN appearance. After qualifying via an away-goals victory over Togo (1-1, 0-0), they’ve faltered in Group C, losing 1-0 to Guinea and 2-0 to co-hosts Uganda. With zero goals scored and three conceded, their attacking woes are glaring. Over their last 10 matches across all competitions, Niger have won three, drawn two, and lost five, scoring 1.2 goals per game on average. Their recent form (W-D-D-L-L) reflects inconsistency, with a 6-0 friendly win over Bonaire a rare highlight. Defensive discipline has been an issue, with 30 fouls committed in their last five games, and they’ve failed to score in both CHAN matches. Coach Badou Zaki faces pressure to spark an offensive revival against a formidable opponent.

Niger tactics

Niger are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity to counter South Africa’s attacking threat. Coach Zaki will rely on midfielders Moussa Kassa Moudou and Ibrahim Djingarey to provide bite, while A. Goumey, despite not scoring (four shots in two games), remains the focal point up top. Niger’s high foul count (16 in their last five games) suggests a physical approach, but their lack of composure—evidenced by four yellow cards, could be exploited. Expect them to sit deep, absorb pressure, and target set-pieces, though their inability to convert chances (zero goals in Group C) limits their counter-attacking threat.

Niger predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

GK: M. Djibo. DF: Mohamed Abdouramane, Theodore Koubenou Jules, Bilal Oumarou, Abdoul Kader Rafiu Kassali. MF: Moussa Kassa Moudou, Ibrahim Djingarey. AM: Hassane Harouna Moussa, Ridouane Assane, Chamsoudine Loukmane Ali. FW: A. Goumey.

South Africa team form

The Bafana Bafana, in their third CHAN appearance, have shown resilience despite a decade-long absence from the tournament. Sitting third in Group C with four points, they drew 1-1 with Algeria and secured a 2-1 win over Guinea, with Thabiso Kutumela emerging as a key figure (two goals, one assist in two games). Over their last 10 matches, South Africa boast six wins, two draws, and two losses, averaging 1.4 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per game. Their recent form (W-D-W-D-W) includes a strong COSAFA Cup campaign, though a 3-0 loss to Angola exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Under coach Molefi Ntseki, South Africa’s attacking groove and midfield creativity give them momentum heading into this match.

South Africa’s tactics

South Africa’s preferred 4-3-3 emphasizes controlled possession (77% pass accuracy, 580 passes in their last five games) and aggressive pressing. Coach Ntseki’s system leverages width through wingers Neo Maema and Zakhele Lepasa, with Thabiso Kutumela leading the line. Midfielders Wayde Jooste and Menzi Masuku provide creativity, while Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo anchors the center. South Africa’s quick transitions and disciplined defending (15 fouls in five games) make them dangerous, though their lack of clean sheets in Group C (conceding in both matches) suggests vulnerabilities. They’ll aim to dominate midfield and exploit Niger’s stretched defense with pace on the flanks.

South Africa predicted lineup (4-3-3)

GK: Samukelo Xulu. DF: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Malibongwe Prince Khoza, Kwanda Mngonyama, Terrence Mashego. MF: Wayde Jooste, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Menzi Masuku. FW: Neo Maema, Thabiso Kutumela, Zakhele Lepasa

Niger vs South Africa head-to-head statistics

Niger and South Africa have met twice, with each team securing one win. Their last encounter in the 2011 CHAN saw South Africa triumph 2-0. South Africa have scored in both of their Group C matches, while Niger have failed to score. South Africa’s three goals in two games contrast with Niger’s zero. South Africa have won two of three historical meetings with Niger, and their current form gives them a psychological edge.

Niger vs South Africa scoreline prediction

South Africa enter as clear favourites, with a 58% win probability (odds of 1.63) compared to Niger’s 15% (odds of 6.2). Niger’s inability to score in Group C, coupled with their defensive lapses (conceding in both matches), suggests they’ll struggle against South Africa’s attacking firepower. South Africa’s balanced approach, blending possession, pressing, and clinical finishing through Kutumela should overwhelm Niger’s fragile backline.

However, South Africa’s failure to keep a clean sheet in Group C leaves room for a potential Niger set-piece goal, though their scoring drought makes this unlikely. The match is likely to be low-scoring, with Niger’s defensive setup and South Africa’s controlled style pointing to under 2.5 goals (odds of 1.75). A South Africa victory by at least one goal is the most probable outcome, with a 2-0 scoreline favoured across multiple analyses. A 2-1 result is also plausible if Niger capitalize on a rare chance.

Predicted Scoreline: Niger 0-2 South Africa. However, an alternative result could end in a lone goal for South Africa, if they struggle to convert chances. Some betting tips to use: South Africa to win (-1 Asian Handicap), Under 2.5 goals, don’t play both teams to score.