It's first versus second in a Group C top-of-the-table clash as Bafana Bafana host Ghana in a 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at FNB Stadium on Thursday.
There is still much to play for with the winner of Thursday's encounter elevated to the top of the group standings while in Bafana's case moving to the cusp of booking a place at next year's tournament in Cameroon.
Both teams are currently tied on 9 points with a solitary goal separating the two sides with the Black Stars holding a narrow advantage on goal difference (+4 goals to +3 goals).
The chips however, seem to be stacked in Bafana Bafana's favour as Ghana have been experiencing a tumultuous few weeks behind the scenes while also leaving all their star names at home for the trip to South Africa.
Head coach Charles Akonnor has been under sever pressure with his squad selection coming under intense scrutiny in the build-up to the clash in Johannesburg.
But with a checkered history of under-performing in high-pressure situations, Bafana Bafana will still need to seize their chance in cashing in on the favourable hand they've been dealt.
Bafana Bafana
Molefi Ntseki's side will virtually have secured their passage to Cameroon with a win over their weakened opponents. Bafana will be handicapped by the influential absences of Bongani Zungu alongside Dean Furman, Keagan Dolly and Thulani Serero. Ntseki has been forced into making late changes to his initial 26-man squad with the additional injuries of in-form strikers Bradley Grobler and Kermit Erasmus.
A huge boost though, is the availability of talisman Percy Tau, despite having to undergo a 10-day quarantine period on his return to the UK with Premier League side Brighton.
The only positive to these absences is that Ghana have it even worse off with up to 10 of their international stars - such as the Ayew brothers - not being named in the travelling squad.
By skipping the trip to South Africa, these core group of players will return for Ghana's final clash at home against Sao Tome and without having to undergo the required quarantine period.
What the coaches said (Bafana Bafana)What the coaches said (Ghana)
Player to look out for (Bafana Bafana)
Percy Tau
Bafana Bafana's talisman, who has been given limited playing time with Brighton in recent weeks will be keen to find wome form while on international duty. Tau recently moved into the top ten highest goalscorers for the men's national team and is in joint-eighth position with 12 goals in 28 appearances. The 26-year old will be keen to fire Bafana to clinch qualification while boosting his scoring numbers against the Black Stars and Sudan.
Player to look out for (Ghana)
Emmanuel Boateng
South African fans will be familiar with Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori who will play a vital role between the sticks if selected. With up to 10 star players missing young striker Emmanuel Boateng could prove important for the visitors. Still only 24-years-old. Boateng was on the books with Spanish side Levante before moving to China.