Bafana Bafana Begin Their Quest For AFCON Glory With Tricky Assignment Against Angola
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 officially got underway last night as Morocco outplayed the Comoros 2-0 and today’s attention shifts focus to the Group B clash between South Africa and Angola which is expected to be a thriller. For both sides, this opener is consequential in both teams’ hopes of going further in this year’s tournament. A victory today could set the tone for the rest of the tournament, while a stuttering start could lead to repurcussions in a highly competitive group that also features Egypt and Zimbabwe.
After having enjoyed the euphoria that qualification for a First World Cup in 16 years has brought to the entire nation, Bafana Bafana now turn their attention to 35th edition of the Africa Nations Cup. This is going to be South Africa’s first time to play at a Nations Cup that is being held in Morocco, as they were not part of the 1988 tournament that also took place in this enchanting North African country. There’s no better way to commence their campaign than to open proceedings with a tantalizingly appetizing match against Angola at the Marrakech Stadium this evening.
Having arrived in Marrakech after a long and demanding journey, Bafana Bafana were forced to deal with difficult travel conditions. Twenty-six hours in the air, a route via Dubai and Casablanca, and even lost luggage marked the South African team’s arrival.
“The journey was very difficult — 26 hours of flying — and I even lost my suitcase, I don’t know where it is,” head coach Hugo Broos said with a smile. He quickly added: “But that’s not an excuse. We are here now and we must play a good match tomorrow. The trip was tiring, but football does not allow excuses.”
Despite those challenges, South Africa’s ambitions remain clear. On the back of positive momentum built in recent years, the team believes it can take another step forward.
“We have had some good years and played well, but winning this tournament is still very difficult,” Broos explained. “There are many circumstances that have to come together. We believe we can go further than in previous tournaments. That is everyone’s dream. You also need a bit of luck in football, but we believe in ourselves.”
Preparation was not without its difficulties. The integration of young players and the late arrival of some squad members meant the group had to adapt quickly.
“Preparation was complicated because some players were not there at the beginning,” Broos admitted. “But now that everyone is present, the atmosphere in training has changed. The new players are adapting, the problems have been solved and we are ready to go and fight for the win.” Respect for the opposition is evident.
“I have seen Angola play recently and we know it will be a very difficult match,” the South African coach continued. “Every country wants to show what it can do. We are ready, and we know what we want: to win this first match.”
Bafana coach Hugo Boos did encounter an injury concern when they travelled to Morocco after Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis suffered a slight knock in the international friendly against Ghana. But it should not be too serious for him to make it into today’s starting lineup.
Bafana would be hoping a number of their players making their debut appearances at AFCON will rise to the occasion, as they fight for World Cup places with the Global showpiece just 7 months away.
For today’s match, Mbekezeli Mbokazi looks set to make it into the starting lineup. Broos has to decide whether to select Nkosinathi Sibisi or Siyabonga Ngezana to partner Mbokazi at the heart of defence.
Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau could play in the fullback positions, whilst Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole are highly expected to control midfield.
Elias Mokwana could occupy the right flank ahead of Relebohile Mofokeng, who could come in later as an impact substitute and Oswin Appollis could start from the left side of attack, with Sipho Mbule occupying the attacking midfield role just behind Lyle Foster, who is expected to lead the line.
Bafana Bafana Expected Starting Lineup : Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Elias Mokwana, Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster.
Angola Expected Starting Lineup : Marques, To Carneiro, Gaspar, Modesto, Buatu, Banza, Fredy, Maestro, Luvumbo, Nzola, Gelson Dala
Jonathan Kaseke
