Broos Names Familiar Bafana Line-Up For Angola Opener
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has opted for a familiar-looking lineup for their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Angola at Stade de Marrakech on Monday.
Broos has named Ronwen Williams in goal. The central defensive pairing will consist of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Siyabonga Ngezana, with Khuliso Mudau at right-back and Aubrey Modiba completing the back four on the left.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole will anchor the engine room, while Sipho Mbule has been selected in the number 10 role. Mohau Nkota will operate on the left flank, with Oswin Appollis deployed on the right.
Lyle Foster will lead the line as the lone striker.
On the bench, Broos has named Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss, along with Tylon Smith, Khulumane Ndamane, Thalente Mbatha, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana, Bathusi Aubaas, Samukele Kabini, Evidence Makgopa, Shandre Campbell and Thabang Matuludi.
Ahead of the match, Broos reiterated the importance of starting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note, stressing that an opening victory would place South Africa in a strong position to advance from the group stage.
Bafana Bafana will be aiming to secure an opening group-stage win for the first time in 21 years. The 1996 AFCON champions have not won their first match at the tournament since the 2004 edition, when Siyabonga Nomvethe scored a brace in a 2–0 victory over Benin.
Since then, South Africa have failed to claim victory in their opening group-stage fixture in six consecutive AFCON tournaments, including the previous edition, where they lost 2–0 to Mali.
Monday’s encounter will also mark Hugo Broos’ 50th match in charge of Bafana Bafana, and the 2017 AFCON-winning coach will be eager to celebrate the milestone with a statement performance in Group B.
