Where Cameroon vs. South Africa will be won, lost

It's reasonable to describe South Africa and Cameroon as two giants of the African game, although compared to their great historic sides, the two current vintages are somewhat light on star power. Saturday's bout between the two in Limbe will be a cagey affair, and one that will likely be decided on the finest margins. In this feature, we run down the key battles and head to heads that will likely be decisive in this Cup of Nations qualifier.

Jacques Zoua vs. Rivaldo Coetzee: While Eric Mathoho and Rivaldo Coetzee may be relieved not to have to face FC Porto forward Vincent Aboubakar in Saturday, with the high-profile attacker suspended, they will still have their work cut out if new coach Hugo Broos plumps for Jacques Zoua to replace him. The multi-time Swiss champion is dynamic presence with superb positioning, and with a point to prove, he will be a handful for the young defender and his experienced companion.

Stephane Mbia vs. Hlompho Kekana: Mbia could step back into the defence for Cameroon, but we're expecting him to start in the centre of the park in light of Alex Song's absence. He will enforce the Indomitable Lions' midfield, and will be a handful for his opposite man, Hlompho Kekana, who has shone for Mamelodi Sundowns this season, but hasn't often go toe to toe with a player of the calibre of Mbia.

Allan Nyom vs. Thulani Serero: Serero—like one or two other players in Bafana's ranks—will be keen to make up for a frustrating time at club level by reaffirming their class in the international arena. Goal have tipped the Ajax man to line up on the left side of Shakes Mashaba's 4-4-2 formation, and he'll likely go head to head with Allan Nyom, who has impressed with Watford in the Premier League this season. The right-back will likely start on the right side of defence following Ambroise Oyongo's withdrawl from the squad.

Thamsanqa Gabuza vs. Aurelien Chedjou: Things have taken a turn for the worse for Gabuza, who was Pirates' golden boy at the beginning of the season in light of his Caf Confederation Cup exploits, but who has fallen down the pecking order at Bucs. He can't make Eric Tinkler's first team ahead of Tendai Ndoro, but with less competition with Bafana, he has a chance to make his mark. Looking to stop him, however, will be Galatasaray's Chedjou—one of Africa's finest centre-backs. Gabuza will have to up his game to make the most of this rare occasion.

Edgar Salli vs. Thabo Matlaba: Cameroon are severely depleted in attack, where Aboubakar is joined on the shelf by both Eric Choupo-Moting and Benjamin Moukandjo. Edgar Salli is perhaps the most established of Broos's alternatives, and while he could theoretically feature across the attacking line, we're tipping the diminutive St. Gallen wideman to feature on the right. His dribbling skills ought to keep Matlaba busy, and he'll look to exploit any space left when the Orlando Pirates man pushes forward.