Bafana Bafana will face a Zambia side in transition after coach Avram Grant resigned just weeks before AFCON 2025 and their friendly in South Africa.
It’s a dramatic twist for the Grant, who guided Zambia to back-to-back AFCON qualifications but couldn’t deliver the same success on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
ZAMBIA TO VISIT BAFANA BAFANA WITHOUT AVRAM GRANT
Under Grant, Zambia topped Group G in the AFCON qualifiers, finishing ahead of heavyweights Ivory Coast.
The story was different in the World Cup campaign. Chipolopolo finished fourth in their group behind Morocco, Niger, and Tanzania, a major blow after suffering three consecutive home defeats without scoring against Comoros, Morocco, and Niger.
Zambia are drawn in Group A for AFCON 2025, where they’ll meet hosts Morocco, Mali and Comoros. The tournament kicks off in December, but for now, they’ll be under interim management when they face Bafana Bafana on 11 November.
SOUTH AFRICA’S PRELIMINARY SQUAD TO FACE ZAMBIA
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Darren Johnson, Renaldo Leaner, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Keegan Allan, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Fezile Gcaba, Vuyo Letlapa, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Malibongwe Khoza, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Ime Okon
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Masindi Nemtajela, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Siphesihle Mkhize, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke le Roux
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Ashley Cupido, Mohau Nkota, Keletso Makgalwa, Mihlali Mayambela, Devin Titus, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Mduduzi Shabalala, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Puso Dithejane.
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