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Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has released his preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament kicks off on 21 December in Morocco, with South Africa opening their campaign the following day against Angola. Broos’ squad begins final preparations.
What Happened?
Coach Hugo Broos confirmed his long list of players for the AFCON finals, the first major step toward the December tournament. South Africa will compete in Group B alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola.
Bafana play their opener on 22 December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, a 41,245-seater venue known for modern match day facilities. They return to the same venue for their final group fixture against Zimbabwe on 29 December.
Their second match — a highly anticipated Boxing Day clash — takes place at Adrar Stadium in Agadir against seven-time African champions Egypt.
Additionally, AFCON 2025 features 24 teams, divided into six groups. The top two teams and the four best third-placed sides progress to the knockout rounds.
Official Response
Broos said the selection reflects both consistency and competition for places.
“We have a solid core, but AFCON is demanding. We need depth, balance and players who can adapt quickly,” he said. “This preliminary squad gives us the right mix heading into camp.”
SAFA officials also welcomed the early announcement, noting that it allows smoother planning and improved player conditioning before departure.
Community Impact
The squad’s release triggered strong excitement among supporters, with travel groups already preparing for the trip to Morocco. Sports bars and fan zones in major cities expect high turnout during the December fixtures.
Youth coaches say the announcement boosts interest in local development leagues as young players draw inspiration from Bafana’s return to continental contention.
