Given their performance in Ivory Coast in the last AFCON edition, Bafana go into the upcoming finals as pre-tournament favourites. The North Africans, on the other hand, are the record champions and, in addition to the kind of players they have, are automatically tipped as favourites too. Coincidentally, both are in Group B, and football fans will be treated to a high-stakes encounter at the preliminary stage.
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.
In recent months, Orlando Pirates have sold two of their gems, and another has been tipped to follow in their footsteps soon. Despite the fact he is one of the most promising South African stars, Mofokeng is yet to seal a big move. It started with Nkota before Mbokazi followed suit, but what is holding back President Yama 2000 has been explained.
The subject of whether the Bafana Bafana defender should have waited to play in AFCON first before choosing his next club has been quite a hot topic. Broos was the first one to publicly question the move to the Major Soccer League. According to the experienced tactician, Mbokazi should have at least waited to play in the AFCON and World Cup finals before considering a move.
South Africa are set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations starting on Sunday with the hosts Morocco tackling Comoros. However, the 1996 winners will have to wait until Monday before playing Angola in Group B game that will be staged in Marrakesh. Hugo Broos' men have been placed in the pool alongside Egypt and Zimbabwe as well.
In 2017, the Belgian lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. Years later, he inherited a struggling South African side and reshaped it into a force that secured consecutive AFCON berths, including the 2025 edition in Morocco, while also steering Bafana Bafana onto the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under the Belgian tactician, South Africa have reclaimed their rightful place in continental football, where they are set to not only battle for the title in the biennial competition but also be part of the nine nations that acquired an automatic ticket to represent Africa in the FIFA World Cup that will be held next year.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos took with him to the continental tournament forwards who have not been much prolific at their clubs. But he would be hoping his team will not face some attacking frailties in Morocco which could affect their campaign. The Belgian also banks on attacking midfielders and wingers who can cause problems for opponents on their day.
The Glamour Boys have been rebuilding since last season after going for a decade without any major silverware across all competitions. In the ongoing campaign, the Soweto giants have been doing quite well despite having young players in their squad who are still learning to deliver in top-flight football domestically and abroad.
The Sea Robbers produced nine players for Hugo Broos' arsenal set to compete for the continental crown starting this weekend in the North African nation. It was a massive reward for Abdeslam Ouaddou's men, who have been excellent in domestic assignments where they have won two competitive trophies and one that is unofficial.
South Africa have been drawn in Group B at AFCON, where they will renew COSAFA rivalries with Zimbabwe and Angola while also facing continental heavyweights Egypt. Navigating past this seemingly demanding pool would be crucial as South Africa chase a first AFCON title in 30 years.
The 25-year-old has continued to face questions over whether he can truly lead South Africa’s attack at the continental competition out in Morocco. Makgopa remains among the top scorers for Pirates this season, yet his inconsistent form at international level has left sections of supporters uncertain about his impact.
The 27-year-old, on loan at Amakhosi from Algerian side CR Belouizdad with a possible permanent deal in play, is still working to make his mark. With just one goal in six matches so far, Mayo is continuing to search for rhythm and consistency as he adapts to the Chiefs setup amid growing outside interest in his future.
The coach can now breathe a sigh of relief over an injury case that should have probably given him sleepless nights days before the continental finals begin. The Orlando Pirates star was involved against Ghana in South Africa's last friendly game and suffered a kick on his leg, which forced him to seek treatment. The former Polokwane City star has been a key player for Broos, and his absence would have dealt the coach a huge blow.
The Soweto giants, Bucs, have been doing well domestically, where they have already won three trophies across all competitions in the last couple of months. It explains why they produced a large number of players for the national team ahead of the biennial competition in Morocco. While the Sea Robbers' tactician is happy with his stars in national colours, he has shared his concern too.
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.
South Africa did well to finish third in the 2023 edition despite coming into the competition against the odds owing to their initial struggles. However, things are seemingly working in their favour ahead of the 2025 campaign to be staged in North Africa, where Hugo Broos' men have been tipped to have a say on the title race.
In the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns' legendary midfielder Themba Zwane, questions have been asked about who among the two Orlando Pirates players can effectively play in the creative role behind the strikers. While a section feels Master Chef is suited for the job, others feel the 21-year-old versatile attacker should be given the opportunity.
The senior national team was excellent in the qualifiers, where they got their ticket without tasting defeat, and now they want to go all the way and win the title for the first time since their maiden one in 1996. Before the biennial competition, South Africa beat Zambia and Ghana in recent build-ups.
South African football has never been short on opinions, outrage or drama - but as Bafana Bafana march toward the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, the noise around the Belgian has reached a fever pitch. From squad selection debates to player controversies, the veteran coach remains unshaken.
The two regional rivals are set to meet again on the continental platform on Monday, whereby Hugo Broos' men come into the match as favourites. In the recent five meetings across all competitions, Palancas Negras have managed three wins and two draws, while South Africa have secured three victories as well, but in the 10 meetings in all tournaments.
The defender has been excellent since his move to the Romanian heavyweights two seasons ago, winning the top tier and other domestic cups. The South Africa international has also been competing with the best in Europe, as his exploits continue to attract suitors who want to acquire his services to bolster their squads.
South Africa are set to leave the country for Morocco to take part in the biennial continental competition that will run from December 21 to January 18. A total of 24 teams will be competing for the crown, where the Belgian's men are aiming at going all the way for the first time since 1996 when they hosted it.
The attacker, who has also been linked with Kaizer Chiefs, has seen a rapid rise in the Premier Soccer League. With the short transfer window approaching, he is set to be linked with more clubs, but Bucs have been told to sign him since he has a profile that fits their needs. The Pirates' linked star has also been tipped as a future prized asset for the national team, Bafana Bafana.
In a match that was expected to help Bafana prepare adequately for AFCON, it ended up bringing an unexpected fear. A key player is now in a race against time to be fit just before the finals begin in Morocco. Should Oswin Appollis' injury fears be confirmed to be serious, Hugo Broos will be forced to look at his reserve list and pick a replacement.
It was not an easy match for the AFCON-bound Bafana, and it took them close to one hour to break the deadlock. It took a magical move by Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule for South Africa to find a way past the Black Galaxies. Ghana's game strategy has been hailed as working perfectly and helped expose Bafana's weaknesses ahead of the Morocco finals.
Angola
