South Africa – Angola: first proper test in a tricky group 
South Africa and Angola kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday 22 December in Marrakech. An opening game in Group B that can already shape the rest of the tournament, in a pool that also includes Egypt and Zimbabwe.
South Africa: a steady setup, no pointless noise 
For Hugo Broos, this isn’t trivial. It’ll be his 50th appearance on the South African bench, leading a side he’s gradually shaped in his image: organised, patient, rarely at odds.
Bafana Bafana come off a successful AFCON 2023, finishing third after a long run of tight games. That wasn’t a fluke. For months South Africa have moved forward steadily, piling up workmanlike results — no fireworks, but genuine collective steel.
Qualification for AFCON 2025 came without drama, and the recent run — wins, hard-fought draws, no defeats — confirms a team that’s hard to move around. Out of the spotlight, but rarely caught out.
Angola: a team that doesn’t sneak up on anyone anymore 
Angola aren’t just a passing outsider anymore. Quarter-finalists last time, Patrice Beaumelle’s side improves in cycles — no dramatic overhaul, but a real step up in competitiveness.
The Palancas Negras sealed their ticket to Morocco early in qualifying — proof of control. Their recent record is mixed, sometimes patchy, but rarely naive. They know how to shut up shop, sit tight, then hit when the chance comes.
The clear win over South Africa in the COSAFA Cup is still fresh. A result that feeds cautious but real confidence ahead of this opener.
Squads: few absences, a few tweaks
On the South African side, the squad arrives almost complete. Oswin Appollis is available after a scare that turned out minor, and there’s no major absence to report. Leaving out Themba Zwane is a sporting call, not a medical one.
Angola, however, must do without Zine — injured at his club and ruled out for the whole tournament. A noticeable offensive loss. Show, hit by a viral episode in recent days, is doubtful, though no official withdrawal’s been announced.
Probable line-ups
South Africa : Williams – Mudau, Ndamane, Sibisi, Modiba – Mokoena, Sithole, Mbatha – Appollis – Nkota, Foster
Angola : Neblu – Modesto, Carmo, Buatu, Carneiro – Show, Fredy, Maestro – Luvumbo, Mabululu, Milson
Key takeaways
- South Africa relies on a stable, experienced core.
- Angola have been steadily improving for years.
- Group B leaves very little margin for error.
- A good result here can carry real weight for what’s next.
Football Prediction South Africa vs Angola
South Africa win
In a game likely decided by tiny margins, South Africa’s collective experience and recent consistency could tip the balance. Angola have arguments, but Bafana Bafana look better equipped to handle this kind of opening.
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