Preview: South Africa and Angola set for AFCON 2025 clash

South Africa aims to leverage its 11-match unbeaten streak to overcome a stubborn Angola side in their AFCON 2025 opener, despite failing to defeat their opponents in seven previous encounters.

South Africa launches its AFCON 2025 campaign on Monday at the Stade de Marrakech, facing an Angola side that recently dominated them.

Bafana Bafana enters the tournament with renewed confidence after a stellar qualifying run and a third-place finish in the 2023 edition.

Despite their strong form, they are wary of the “Palancas Negras,” who are the last team to defeat them, securing a 3-0 victory in the COSAFA Cup final last June.

Hugo Broos’ men arrive in Morocco boasting an 11-match unbeaten streak and a high-scoring qualification record of 16 goals.

Defensive stability remains their hallmark, having recorded five clean sheets in the previous AFCON.

While expectations are high, history provides a mixed bag; although South Africa has never lost to Angola in AFCON history, they have failed to beat them in their last seven meetings across all competitions, resulting in three losses and four draws.

Team news is largely positive for the South Africans as Oswin Appollis has been cleared to play.

Broos confirmed the player’s availability despite recent fitness scares, stating he “is fit and available” for the selection.

Angola, meanwhile, will miss Zini due to a knee injury but remains a formidable defensive unit, having conceded only two goals during qualification.

A tactical, low-scoring affair is expected as both nations eye a vital head start in Group A

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