The second Group B showdown between the Pharaohs and South Africa delivered drama from the first whistle on Friday, December 26. While Egypt’s narrow 1-0 victory dominated the headlines, the match left more questions than answers, with contentious decisions sparking debate and demanding closer inspection long after the final whistle.
Bafana Bafana marched into Stade Adrar for their second Group B showdown, locking horns with the mighty Pharaohs on Friday, December 26. Fresh off a spirited 2-1 triumph over Angola in their opener, the South Africans carried momentum and belief, ready to test their mettle against Egypt in a clash brimming with drama, pride and continental stakes.
GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's Group B clash with the Pharaohs at Grand Stade D’Agadir on Friday. Both teams won their opening games and will be out to build on that momentum. The winner of this Boxing Day showdown confirms their place in the Round of 16, as the loser might risk early elimination. While both sides might welcome a draw, the two former African champions will be going for the kill to stay safe and that is what ups the stakes.
After an opening win, the next duty for Bafana is to fight for a second consecutive victory that will heavily boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage. The match against Egypt is South Africa's biggest test yet, and how they navigate that challenge will show their level of readiness to compete. Already, the match against Angola gave the coach a glimpse of the fitness level of his players, and he is set to pick the best for the upcoming showdown.
South Africa’s AFCON 2025 adventure began with a spirited 2-1 win over Angola, powered by Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster. Egypt, meanwhile, needed Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time strike to edge Zimbabwe 2-1. Now, Group B’s giants collide in Morocco, with Bafana Bafana dreaming of a Boxing Day miracle against the Pharaohs.
Bafana Bafana triumphed 2–1 over Angola in a closely contested clash that could have gone either way. The Palancas Negras fought valiantly, constantly testing Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, but a decisive strike from Lyle Foster proved enough to separate the sides by the final whistle.
South Africa started their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-1 win over Angola on Monday. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos still believes that his side has room for improvement.
South Africa kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard‑fought 2-1 victory over the Palancas Negras in their Group B opener on Monday, December 22. The contest at Stade de Marrakech was fiercely competitive, marked by physical battles and determined challenges, as both sides sought to impose themselves and set the tone for the journey ahead in the tournament.
Two years after their semi-final run in Ivory Coast, South Africa reignited their pursuit of continental glory in Morocco. Hugo Broos marked his 50th game at the helm as the national team faced the Palancas Negras in their Group B opener on Monday, December 22, at Stade de Marrakech, determined to turn progress into results.
GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's Group B opener at the continental competition against the Palancas Negras at Stade de Marrakech on Monday. The 1996 African champions would be seeking to start their campaign on a high by claiming a morale-boosting victory against their COSAFA rivals. Coach Hugo and his men are on a mission to go a step further after finishing third the last time out.
South Africa kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey on Monday, December 22, facing Angola in Group B at the iconic Stade de Marrakech. Hugo Broos’ men will be determined to set the pace early, aiming to surpass their bronze medal run from the last AFCON and ignite hopes of a deeper, history-making charge in Morocco.
South Africa head into the Morocco finals buoyant after winning their last two friendly games against Zambia and Ghana. The 1996 champions are also among the continent's World Cup representatives next year, which means they have an extra reason to believe they are among the best teams. However, their AFCON preparations have been affected by off-pitch issues, mainly Hugo Broos' comments on Mbekezeli Mbokazi, although the coach apologised later.
As days progress towards the continental finals, the Bafana camp has been hit with a number of issues, mainly off-pitch ones. Hugo Broos has also had to prepare for AFCON with a squad without all players summoned because they are still attached to their clubs. However, the Mamelodi Sundowns star is confident Bafana will overcome all these issues and fully concentrate on the job ahead.
The South African national team will head into the final stages of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, as they prepare to face Ghana in their last international friendly before stepping onto the big stage against Angola in their opening match on December 22, where they look to break more boundaries while raising the Mzansi flag high.
The South Africans last tasted continental glory almost 30 years ago on home soil, and with a hard-earned bronze medal from the most recent showpiece in the Ivory Coast, the spotlight shifts back onto Bafana Bafana as the nation eagerly watches to see whether this squad can push further and revive their pursuit of AFCON supremacy.
The Sea Robbers continue to celebrate their majority presence in the national team squad that is heading to Morocco. Out of the 25 players named for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, nine are from the Soweto giants, although Mbekezeli Mbokazi has signed for Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. Until recently, Masandawana dominated Bafana, but the Sea Robbers have displaced them as the majority contributor.
