Bafana Bafana Unveils Strong Squad for AFCON 2025

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, has announced its 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.

Coach Hugo Broos has blended experience with youthful energy, retaining nine players from the bronze-winning team at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

The squad includes two uncapped 20-year-olds – Shandre Campbell of Club Brugge and Tylon Smith of Queens Park Rangers – as part of Broos’ long-term plan.

“I’m looking a little to the future with this selection,” Broos said on Monday.

“We have to do at least the same as we did at the last Cup of Nations, which is reaching the semi-finals”.

Bafana Bafana will face Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe in Group B, opening their campaign against Angola on December 22 in Marrakech.

The team has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Samukele Kabini (Molde), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)

Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)