Expectations are high on South Africa to go all the way in this continental competition after settling for a bronze medal at the last edition. Having already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 1996 African champions will be eager to underline their progress on the African stage. The continental tournament offers them a chance to justify their status as a nation headed to the global football showpiece.
Both COSAFA nations hope to start the competition on a positive note and place themselves in better positions to advance into the knockout phase. However, Bafana carry more pressure, as they have been categorised as among the tournament's favourites given their past performance. Although on paper South Africa look stronger, Angola's tactician has dismissed that notion, declaring that reality will be felt on the pitch.
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.
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.
Few players have faced as much scrutiny as the 25‑year‑old lanky forward. Critics highlight flaws, but his six goals and two assists for Bafana Bafana show undeniable value. His performances at club and national level reveal a striker who thrives under pressure, turning doubt into fuel for his rise.
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.
In Europe, much of the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has unfortunately - but inevitably - focused on which clubs will be most affected by the tournament's scheduling slap-bang in the middle of the season. As an incredibly prestigious tournament that rarely fails to deliver a barely-believable amount of drama, the AFCON deserves so much better.
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 44‑year‑old coach took charge of Raja in September and has since collected 15 points from seven Botola Pro matches, lifting the club into fourth place. With Raja sitting five points behind leaders Wydad Athletic Club but holding a game in hand, Davids now turns his focus to the January window to strengthen his squad.
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.
South Africa
