Bafana Bafana Begin AFCON 2025 Test Against Angola

South Africa open their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign on Monday against Angola at the Stade de Marrakech, with both teams keen to make an early statement. Expectations are rising around Bafana Bafana, who return with confidence after finishing third at the 2023 AFCON, keeping a tournament-high five clean sheets. They also topped a World Cup qualifying group featuring Nigeria and went unbeaten in AFCON qualification, scoring 16 goals.

However, Angola were the last side to beat them competitively, winning the COSAFA Cup final 3-0 in June, a result that still fuels belief. Despite recent inconsistency, Patrice Beaumelle’s men qualified unbeaten and conceded just two goals, showing defensive discipline.

South Africa have never lost to Angola at AFCON, but Angola are unbeaten in seven overall meetings. Both sides arrive near full strength, setting tight battle.