Countdown to AFCON 2025: South Africa Gears Up for the Continental Challenge
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco fast approaching, excitement and anticipation are rising among South African football fans. The Bafana Bafana squad, under the steady leadership of Hugo Broos, is in the final stages of preparation for Africa’s biggest football tournament.
The tournament officially kicks off on December 21, with South Africa placed in Group B — a competitive pool featuring Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The draw has set the stage for thrilling clashes, as Bafana look to reclaim continental glory nearly three decades after their historic 1996 AFCON triumph.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Broos, who is putting the finishing touches on his squad. The Belgian coach has shared key insights into his selection process, offering a glimpse into the team that will represent South Africa in Morocco.
A Friendly Test: Zambia Clash to Fine-Tune Bafana’s AFCON Preparations
To sharpen the squad ahead of the finals, Bafana Bafana will play an international friendly against Zambia this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. This match is more than just a warm-up — it’s a final test for players fighting for a place in Broos’ 23-man squad.
The friendly comes at a crucial moment in Bafana’s AFCON preparations. Broos has made it clear that he’s not looking to experiment anymore. Instead, his focus is on refining tactical combinations, ensuring fitness, and solidifying team chemistry ahead of their Group B opener.
“We are in preparation for AFCON, and now it’s not a moment to do experiments. I have to focus everything on AFCON,”
said Broos, outlining his mindset going into the Zambia clash.
This means that the players selected for this friendly are effectively auditioning for the final cut, with limited time left to impress the coach.
Bold Calls and Notable Omissions: Broos Makes His Statement
Every major tournament brings tough selection decisions — and Broos has made several that have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. His latest squad announcement for the Zambia friendly sent shockwaves through South African football, as several in-form players were omitted from the team.
Among those dropped are Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC), and Luke Le Roux (Volendam, Netherlands).
Perhaps the most talked-about exclusion is Thembinkosi Lorch, the Wydad Casablanca forward who has been enjoying a rich vein of form in Morocco. Despite his impressive performances, Broos reiterated that Lorch does not fit into his tactical plans, a decision that underlines the Belgian’s commitment to structure over sentiment.
“Maybe that’s why some players are not there,” Broos explained. “We are preparing for AFCON, and I have to focus everything on that.”
While some fans may be disappointed by these omissions, Broos’ approach reflects a long-term vision — one centered on discipline, tactical consistency, and group cohesion.
Broos’ Philosophy: 75% of the Squad Already Decided
The Bafana Bafana coach has provided a candid update on his selection process, revealing that three-quarters of his final AFCON squad has already been chosen.
“I said that maybe for me, 75 per cent of the selection is made for AFCON,”
Broos told journalists. “But now it’s only to see a few positions, maybe this one or the other one. That’s the most important thing for me — that we don’t have any doubts anymore.”
This means that the Zambia friendly — and possibly one or two more upcoming fixtures — will serve as final auditions for players competing for the remaining 25% of spots. These are likely to include backup roles in midfield, defense, and the forward line.
The clarity with which Broos is approaching his selection signals maturity and strategic planning. Unlike previous Bafana setups that often relied on last-minute experiments, the Belgian tactician wants his team to enter Morocco settled and mentally prepared.
Building a Balanced and Competitive Squad
Broos’ selection process has consistently emphasized balance, experience, and adaptability. Since taking over the Bafana Bafana reins, he has sought to blend young, emerging talents with experienced campaigners who understand the rigors of continental football.
Players such as Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau, and Mothobi Mvala are expected to form the core spine of the squad. Their leadership, coupled with Broos’ tactical discipline, will be crucial as South Africa faces world-class opposition like Egypt, led by the formidable Mohamed Salah.
The coach is also known for his no-nonsense approach to player discipline and commitment — qualities he deems essential for success at AFCON. His tenure has been defined by a firm belief in team unity over individual stardom, a philosophy that helped Bafana secure a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, restoring national pride after years of disappointment.
Why Broos Is Sticking to His Core Group
Since taking over in 2021, Hugo Broos has worked tirelessly to establish a stable foundation within the national team. This consistency is one of the key reasons he’s reluctant to make drastic changes ahead of Morocco 2025.
“It’s not a moment to do experiments,” Broos reiterated. “I want a good preparation and a good game against Zambia. The most important thing is that we don’t have doubts anymore and can start AFCON preparations with no surprises.”
By sticking with a consistent squad, Broos aims to ensure that every player understands his role within the system. Tactical fluidity, defensive organization, and quick transitions — hallmarks of Broos’ philosophy — require familiarity and repetition.
This approach may seem rigid to some, but it’s proven effective. Under his leadership, Bafana have rediscovered their identity, earning respect across Africa for their structured play and mental toughness.
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Inside the Camp: Preparing for December 8 AFCON Assembly
Bafana Bafana are expected to regroup on December 8, two weeks before the tournament kicks off. This final camp will be the culmination of months of scouting, analysis, and tactical drills.
By then, Broos plans to have his final 23-man squad ready, with players fully focused on Morocco. The camp will include intense tactical sessions, fitness assessments, and possibly one more friendly match to polish their game.
For fringe players hoping to make the cut, the next few weeks represent a make-or-break window. Every training session and minute of match play will be crucial in convincing Broos that they belong on the plane to Morocco.
Group B: A Tough Yet Balanced Draw
Bafana Bafana’s Group B assignment at AFCON 2025 promises both challenges and opportunities.
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Egypt: The record seven-time champions are always among the favorites. With players like Mohamed Salah leading the line, Egypt will test South Africa’s defensive discipline.
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Zimbabwe: A familiar rival, Zimbabwe’s return to competitive football adds spice to this Southern African derby. Matches between these two nations are always fiercely contested.
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Angola: Technically gifted and tactically solid, Angola can be unpredictable — a team capable of upsetting anyone on their day.
Broos has expressed cautious optimism about the draw, noting that while it’s challenging, it’s also manageable if Bafana maintain focus and intensity.
Lessons from the Past: Broos’ AFCON Blueprint
Having guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title, Broos knows exactly what it takes to conquer Africa. His blueprint is built on discipline, structure, and belief — qualities he has been instilling in Bafana since his arrival.
He has also emphasized mental resilience, something that has historically been South Africa’s Achilles heel in major tournaments. The 2023 AFCON run, where Bafana finished third, showed that under Broos, the team has learned to grind out results even under pressure.
For 2025, the Belgian coach aims to take that momentum further — possibly into the semi-finals or even a title challenge.
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Fan Expectations and National Excitement
With just over a month left until AFCON 2025 kicks off, the excitement among fans is palpable. South Africans have reconnected with their national team — something that had been missing for years.
Social media buzz around Bafana’s preparations reflects a growing sense of belief that this generation of players can compete with Africa’s best. The mix of experience from the 2023 squad and the energy of younger stars offers hope for a deeper run in Morocco.
Still, expectations must be managed. Broos continues to stress that the journey is about progress, not perfection. For him, every tournament is a step toward rebuilding Bafana Bafana into a powerhouse capable of consistently qualifying for both AFCON and the World Cup.
Conclusion: A Focused Broos and a Nation Ready to Dream
As Hugo Broos finalizes his AFCON 2025 squad, one thing is clear — South Africa has a focused, determined leader at the helm. His no-experimentation stance, strategic clarity, and commitment to preparation are exactly what Bafana need to thrive on the continental stage.
With 75% of his squad already decided and the final preparations set for December 8, the countdown to Morocco is officially on. The friendly against Zambia will offer the last clues about the final lineup, but the broader message is unmistakable: Bafana Bafana mean business.
Come December 21, when the whistle blows for their opening AFCON fixture, South Africa will not just be playing for victory — they’ll be playing to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.
And under Hugo Broos, that dream feels more attainable than it has in years.
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