The countdown is officially over. Today, Monday, 22 December, South Africa’s national pride, Bafana Bafana, takes to the pitch in Marrakech to launch their AFCON 2025 campaign. Facing off against Angola, the squad is looking to secure an early lead in Group B.
Make sure your schedule is clear for the opening whistle:
- Date: Monday, 22 December 2025
- Kick-off Time: 19:00 (South African Standard Time)
- Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech, Morocco
- The Stakes: A win puts South Africa in a prime position before their high-stakes second-round clash against Egypt.
🇿🇦 Team News: “Ready for Battle“
Coach Hugo Broos and Captain Ronwen Williams have expressed high confidence following their final training sessions in Morocco.
Tactical Readiness
Hugo Broos emphasized the psychological importance of the first match, stating that a victory is the “big step” needed to survive the group stages. With South Africa ranked 61st and Angola at 89th in the FIFA world rankings, Bafana Bafana enters as the statistical favorites, but Broos warned against complacency.4
The “European” Boost
The mood in the camp shifted significantly with the arrival of the European-based stars:
- Lyle Foster
- Shandre Campbell
- Yaya Sithole
Captain Ronwen Williams noted that while the staggered arrivals made for “strange” preparations, the team spirit and training quality reached a new level once the full squad was assembled.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | South Africa (Bafana Bafana) | Angola (Palancas Negras) |
| FIFA Ranking | 61 | 89 |
| Form | Solid camp preparation | Resilient & Tough Opponent |
| Key Objective | Top the group early | Cause a Group B upset |
🗣️ Join the Conversation
What is your final score prediction? Can Bafana Bafana maintain their momentum from the previous tournament, or will Angola prove to be a “banana skin” opponent?
