South Africa v Angola preview
South Africa and Angola get their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns underway on Monday when they meet in Group B at the Stade de Marrakech.
Both sides are drawn alongside Egypt and Zimbabwe, making the opening fixture an important early test as each looks to establish momentum in a competitive section.
Hugo Broos reaches a personal landmark by taking charge of his 50th match as South Africa head coach, leading Bafana Bafana into their 12th AFCON appearance since first qualifying in 1996.
South Africa arrive in Morocco encouraged by their showing at the 2023 finals in Ivory Coast, where they finished third after defeating DR Congo on penalties in the third-place playoff, having narrowly lost to Nigeria in the semi-finals.
Bafana Bafana qualified for AFCON 2025 by topping their group, producing a series of composed performances built on defensive structure and tactical discipline.
Across their last nine matches in World Cup qualifying and friendlies, South Africa recorded six wins and three draws, with victories over Zambia and Rwanda and draws against Nigeria and Zimbabwe highlighting their consistency.
AFCON success has not followed their historic 1996 triumph, but their recent podium finish has restored belief that they can once again compete deep into the tournament.
The head-to-head record also leans in South Africa’s favour, with nine wins from 19 meetings against Angola, including four group-stage encounters at AFCON finals that produced two wins and two draws.
South Africa v Angola team news
South Africa head into the tournament with a largely fit squad, including captain Ronwen Williams, who is expected to start in goal.
Oswin Appollis has been declared fully fit after concerns following a recent friendly, while Broos has confirmed there are no fresh injury worries ahead of the Group B opener.
Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane was omitted from the final squad, a decision based on selection and fitness considerations rather than injury.
Angola have named a strong 28-man squad but will be without forward Zine Salvador, who has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an injury at club level.
Midfielder Show has reportedly missed recent training sessions due to illness and will be assessed closer to kickoff, though no official confirmation has been given regarding his availability.
South Africa v Angola predicted line-ups
South Africa starting XI: Williams; Mudau, Ndamane, Sibisi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Mbatha; Appollis; Nkota, Foster
Angola starting XI: Neblu; Modesto, Carmo, Buatu, Carneiro; Show, Fredy, Maestro; Luvumbo, Mabululu, Milson
How to watch South Africa v Angola: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Monday is at 17:00 GMT (12:00 ET / 09:00 PT). In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
South Africa v Angola stats
South Africa are appearing at their 12th Africa Cup of Nations finals
South Africa finished third at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast
Angola are competing at their 10th AFCON tournament
Angola reached the quarter-finals at the last AFCON
South Africa have won nine of the 19 meetings between the two nations
Angola defeated South Africa 3-0 in the COSAFA Cup final in June 2025
South Africa v Angola prediction
South Africa
2
–
0
Angola
South Africa arrive with momentum, tournament experience and a settled tactical identity under Hugo Broos, all of which should serve them well in their Group B opener.
Angola are capable of making this a competitive contest, but Bafana Bafana’s organisation and recent consistency should be enough to secure an opening victory in Marrakech.
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