South Africa begin their Group B campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a high-stakes showdown against Angola on Monday evening at the Grande Stade Marrakech.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm local time (8pm EAT), and the encounter presents Bafana Bafana with an immediate test of both ambition and consistency as they seek a winning start to ease the pressure of qualification while safeguarding a remarkable unbeaten streak that now stretches beyond two years.
The former champions arrive in Morocco riding a wave of confidence, having gone 26 matches without defeat in all competitions. That run has elevated expectations back home and heightened respect across the continent, with captain Ronwen Williams acknowledging that South Africa are no longer flying under the radar.
“We haven’t lost in two years and we beat a big team like Morocco, so it’s normal that teams are watching us closely,” Williams said. “But this AFCON is different. The level has gone up and we must also raise our game. Nothing will be easy, but we are ready for the challenge.”
Head coach Hugo Broos, who guided South Africa to a third-place finish at the previous AFCON, believes the groundwork laid over the last two years must now translate into silverware. The Belgian tactician, set to take charge of his 50th match, insists belief within the camp is stronger than ever.
“We have had good moments and played attractive football, but winning this tournament remains very difficult,” Broos explained. “Many factors must come together. Still, we feel we can go further than before. That is the dream for everyone. You always need some luck in football, but above all, you need belief—and we have that.”
Broos is under no illusion about the challenge posed by Angola, describing the Palancas Negras as well-drilled and dangerous opponents.
“I have watched Angola closely and I know this will be a tough match,” he added. “Every team comes to AFCON wanting to prove something. We know exactly what we want from this game, and that is to start with a win.”
On the other bench, Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle expects a fierce contest against a South African side brimming with confidence and balance.
“They are a team full of belief,” Beaumelle said. “Going 26 matches without losing shows their stability and growth. They are already looking ahead to the next World Cup cycle.”
However, the former Côte d’Ivoire coach warned that Angola are equally capable of upsetting the odds. “We have shown that we can compete under pressure and deliver strong performances, like we did against Argentina. We are ready to challenge any team.”
Group B action continues later in the day, with record seven-time champions Egypt facing Zimbabwe in the second fixture of the group.
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