The Brazilians enter the second round of Group stage fixtures in this continental tournament that has eluded them since they were crowned African champions in 2016. They are now on the road, away at Al Hilal whom they meet in this Group C encounter at Amahoro Stadium, in Rwanda, on Friday. They go into this match against the backdrop of being held 2-2 at home by the same opponents last week, a result which saw fans baying for the head of coach Miguel Cardoso.
After a frustrating draw at home against Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, Masandawana have an opportunity to return to winning ways. The Tshwane giants are only at the top of the table courtesy of a superior goal difference over Orlando Pirates and cannot afford to drop points at this stage if they are not to complicate their chances of defending the league title. Already, the pressure is building up on head coach Miguel Cardoso, and rumours linking Pitso Mosimane with a return only add more uncertainty over his future at the club.
Masandawana are set to face one of their toughest challenges so far in the competition, as they are about to tackle an unbeaten opponent. The Pretoria giants resumed their campaign this year with a convincing win over Orbit College in the Premier Soccer League, and now the focus is on the continental campaign. The PSL heavyweights know they must make use of home advantage and open the gap in Group C, thus boosting their chance of reaching the knockout stage.
The Brazilians are back to continue with their bid to be crowned African champions for the first time since 2016 and they welcome their Sudanese opponents to Loftus Versfeld on Friday. Important for Masandawana is maintaining their Group C lead as they host a team they are tied on four points with, as goal difference separates the two sides.
The two South African top-tier sides are set to restart club football following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break in Morocco. While the Mswenko Boys had no players featured, the defending Premier Soccer League champions had five players in the Bafana Bafana team that reached the Round of 16.
The Brazilians are back from the 2025 AFCON break and resume their bid to win the Premier Soccer League title when they host Mswenko Boys at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday. Starting the year part of the chasing pack seeking to dislodge Orlando Pirates from the top of the table, Masandawana need nothing short of victory in their backyard amid some pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso.
Although South Africa's campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations was underwhelming, one of their players has already been linked with a big move. The Masandawana star has been a consistent figure in the national team, and that has helped raise his profile as a player. After winning multiple titles with the Tshwane giants, many believe he is among the players who should venture outside the country now.
This is a massive game for both sides as they hope to get a favourable result that will keep alive their dream of winning the biennial competition going on in the North African nation of Morocco. This will be a massive match for coach Hugo Broos, who helped the Indomitable Lions win the 2017 edition.
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.
South Africa remains on course to lift the continental title as they prepare for a more demanding last-16 clash against the Indomitable Lions at Al Medina Stadium on Sunday. It is a big test for Hugo Broos’ side, with their title credentials set to be put through the sternest of examinations against the seasoned Cameroonians. A positive result would further underline South Africa’s growing belief that they can go all the way and win Afcon for the first time since 1996.
The regional rivals are clashing in a high-stakes encounter, each hoping to win and seal a place in the Round of 16. The stakes are even higher for the Warriors, as they need a straight victory to reach the knockout stage, while for Bafana, at least a draw will be enough for them to progress. With just a point needed for the 1996 Champions, coach Hugo Broos is confident his charges will get the job done despite the pressure on their shoulders.
South Africa head into their final Group B match of the 2025 AFCON against Zimbabwe, desperate for a result to seal their passage to the knockout stages.
The crucial match between the two Southern African countries will take place on Monday evening in Marrakesh, with Broos' men needing a draw to qualify for the next round.
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.
The controversial manner in which South Africa lost to the Pharaohs might have sparked a new fierce rivalry between the two teams. The growing grudge between the two teams could be akin to that between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, who have often crossed paths in the CAF Champions League in recent seasons. That simmering tension has left South Africa's vice-captain keen on another showdown with Hossam Hassan's men.
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.
