The Africa Cup of Nations has reached a critical juncture where there are no second chances. Given that South Africa struggled against 10-man Egypt and were given a run for their money by Zimbabwe, there are suggestions that it is time for Hugo Broos to tweak his lineups. But can the Belgian tactician afford to massively tweak his lineup when South Africa need to win to remain competing in Morocco?
Bafana Bafana continue with their bid to be crowned African champions with a Last-16 showdown against Cameroon at Al Medina Stadium on Sunday. After a less convincing outing against Zimbabwe in their last Group game, they will be out to show that they are championship material.
The two Amakhosi players have been under stern scrutiny for struggling to show up for some games in big moments when it matters the most for the Soweto giants. But they appear to have little backing from their representative who, however, has been seen fighting in the corner of a Buccaneers star who has been finding it difficult at the ongoing AFCON tournament.
The Buccaneers playmaker arrived in Morocco with expectations high on him to step in for Themba Zwane who did not make it to the continental football showpiece. But he is yet to reproduce the form that earned him a place in the national team squad doing duty in North Africa. This comes after the coach’s attempts to identify Zwane’s replacement in Patrick Maswanganyi have so far failed.
South Africa play their final Group B match against the Warriors at Stade de Marrakech on Monday, needing at least a draw to qualify for the Round of 16. Hugo Broos' side will be keen on picking themselves up from the defeat they suffered against Egypt on Friday. They come face-to-face with their stubborn neighbours who almost spoiled their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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.
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 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.
All preparations have been done, and now it’s time for the games to begin. Hugo Broos’ charges have done everything to get ready for the AFCON opener, and now all that is left is for the players to deliver on the pitch. After spending the last few days fine-tuning their preparations in Morocco, they kick-start their campaign with a clash against Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech today.
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.
For South Africa, the duel carried more weight, as it is their final friendly game before heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. For Ghana, who will not be part of the AFCON competition, the match was meant to sharpen them for the African Nations Championship qualifiers. With some players not available yet, Hugo Broos gave stars like Ricardo Goss and Khulumani Ndamane starting chances.
Bafana's recent success has been built on the back of solid defensive performances. However, there are minor concerns about whether coach Broos has enough prolific match-winners in his squad to go all the way in Morocco.
The 27-year-old heads to AFCON with South Africa on the back of a rejuvenated season in which he rediscovered his best form with the Buccaneers. He last tasted international tournament football in 2017 at the Under-20 AFCON with Amajita, but now has the chance to showcase his talent on the big stage with the senior national team. Much is expected of him at the tournament in Morocco as he looks to repay coach Hugo Broos for the faith shown in him.
Even though some of their key players were not available, the Sea Robbers outshone the combined All-Stars team to secure another trophy. The exhibition match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium gave the Soweto giants a chance to add another collection into their trophy cabinet. The victory in the Carling Black Label Cup came after they had secured a cup double following their success in the Carling Knockout.
The 27-year-old was given a lifeline by the Buccaneers after being discarded by Mamelodi Sundowns when his career appeared to be heading downhill. He has since silenced his critics by rejuvenating his game at the Soweto giants, earning himself a return to the national team on the back of consistent performances. Now enjoying some good form, he is widely expected to play a key role for South Africa at the continental competition.
