Bafana Bafana has secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without needing to kick a ball on Friday.

While Bafana Bafana is set to face Uganda in Kampala on Friday, the result of this match will not impact their qualification for the tournament in Morocco. This after South Sudan’s 3-2 victory over Congo on Thursday confirmed Bafana Bafana’s qualification, along with Uganda.

Both South Sudan and Congo have played five matches, with South Sudan on three points and Congo on four. With one game remaining, neither team can surpass Bafana Bafana (eight points) or Uganda (ten points).

Despite the qualification being secured, Friday’s match against Uganda will be crucial in determining the final group standings. Bafana Bafana will aim to be the top-ranked team heading to the draw in the AFCON group stage.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos had previously expressed disappointment at the prospect of missing out on the next AFCON after their bronze medal finish earlier this year. However, with qualification now confirmed, he can approach the remaining matches with less pressure.

Bafana Bafana will conclude their AFCON qualifying campaign with a home match against South Sudan at DHL Stadium on Tuesday.