Coach Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana begin the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2025) against Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech at 19:00.
The Belgian coach, who led South Africa to the semifinals at Afcon 2023, has given the nod to three Afcon debutants. Mbekezeli Mbokazi starts in central defence, Mohau Nkota at right wing, as well as Sipho Mbule in the number 10 role.
AFCON 2025: BAFANA BAFANA STARTING LINE UP VS ANGOLA
In defence, coach Broos has stuck to last Afcon’s Mamelodi Sundowns full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba, while their club teammate Ronwen Williams also keeps his Bafana Bafana gloves.
The centre of midfield is also unchanged from Afcon 2024: Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena.
The frontline sees Sipho Mbule replacing Themba Zwane as the all-important creative maestro in attacking midfield. Oswin Appollis, who is expected to be Bafana Bafana’s difference-maker, has slotted in at left wing, while Nkota has made a surprise start on the right flank. Leading the line is South Africa’s only English Premier League star, Lyle Foster.
Many eyes will be on the bench on Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng, who will be expected to be an impactful substitute later in the game.
FULL STARTING LINE-UP:
South Africa’s starting line-up: Williams (c), Mbokazi, Ngezana, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Mbule, Nkota, Appollis, Foster.
Substitutes: Goss, Chaine, Smith, Ndamane, Mbatha, Moremi, Mofokeng, Mokwana, Aubaas, Kabini, Makgopa, Campbell, Matuludi.
As far as the records, South Africa have never lost to Angola at AFCON. Across four previous meet-ups, Bafana Bafana have claimed two wins and two draws, winning 1-0 in 1996 and 2-0 in 2013, while drawing 0-0 in 1998 and 1-1 in 2008.
South Africa’s next Group B game after Angola will be a trip to Agadir to battle the mighty Egypt on Friday, 26 December at 17:00.