AFCON 2025 Preview: Group B

AFCON 2025 Preview: Group B

Egypt star Mohamed Salah. Photo: Egyptian Football Association

AFCON 2025 Preview: Group B

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is upon us with kickoff in Morocco set for December 21! Pan-Africa Football is taking a close look at each group and our next preview examines Group B, which features Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa and record winners Egypt. Read about the key players to watch on each team below.

 

Egypt

 

 

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Introduction

 

The seven-time AFCON champions, most in the competition’s history, will be a particularly intriguing team to watch in Morocco. With star Mohamed Salah’s well-publicized issues with club Liverpool, observers will be itching to see whether he shows up ready to send a message or if he will struggle with massive expectations.

 

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Unlike recent Egypt teams, this time around there will be more support for Salah with younger players like Omar Marmoush and Ibrahim Adel along with veterans Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed. The defense is always a unit that Egypt can rely on, making them a team that rarely loses decisively. If the Pharaohs can utilize these strengths to win close matches, they could very well claim an eighth title if things go to plan.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances26
Best FinishChampions (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010)
Last Appearance2023- Round of 16

 

Key Players

 

Mohamed Salah (Club: Liverpool [ENG])

 

Arriving in Morocco after a miserable first half of the 2025-26 season with Liverpool, the AFCON could very well provide a welcome distraction for Salah but the pressure will not be any lower. Egyptians demand success in this competition but that is something the dynamic wide forward is accustomed to. The 33-year-old has had strong AFCON’s and weaker AFCON’s during his illustrious career but even if he does not lead the tournament in goals, his superstar presence has the potential to lift his teammates and open up opportunities for Egypt’s other attackers.

 

Marwan Attia (Al Ahly SC [EGY])

 

The deep-lying central midfielder, who plays at Egyptian club champions Al Ahly, has emerged into an important member of the Pharaohs midfield in recent years. A calm and composed passer who is highly efficient, Attia is a valuable distributor who links the defense to the midfield. At times, Egypt can struggle with a disconnection between their forward line and the rest of the team at recent editions of the AFCON but Attia has become an important player who provides grease to the wheels of the Egyptian team.

 

Omar Marmoush (Manchester City [ENG])

 

The recent recruit to Manchester City produced sensational form at previous club Eintracht Frankfurt, but his adaptation to the Egypt national team has been complicated at times. For every spectacular moment or goal he produces, there are matches where he can fail to turn up and go quiet. However, he remains an intriguing and versatile option in the attack that makes the Pharaohs much more dangerous and less predictable compared to recent years.

 

X-Factor

Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes [FRA])

 

The FC Nantes striker is not a player who will impress with his technical abilities, but Mohamed is a strong traditional forward with relentless workrate who can absorb plenty of contact. At the 2021 AFCON, Mohamed failed to score a single goal but provided plenty of tactical value. He is not in particularly good form at the moment for his club but will get valuable minutes whether from the beginning or as a substitute who can provide high energy and an alternative approach to the striker position.

 

South Africa

 

 

 

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Introduction

Bafana Bafana are looking to follow up on their third place finish at the 2023 AFCON with even greater ambitions this time around after qualifying for their first World Cup since hosting the event in 2010. While South Africa has always had talent in their team, head coach Hugo Broos has managed to challenge his players to play with more of an edge to reach their highest potential during his tenure.

Now expectations are at their highest point in many years and it will be interesting to see how South Africa performs under some pressure. With a well balanced squad that can adapt their style of play depending on the opponent, this group is battle tested and ready for the occasion. If they continue to play with the ferocity and passion seen in 2023, none of the tournament favorites will want to see them in the knockout stages.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances10
Best FinishChampions (1996)
Last Appearance2023- Third Place

 

Key Players

 

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns [RSA])

 

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was incredible in 2023, with his outstanding penalty shootout performance in the third place game against DR Congo a notable highlight. With excellent distribution abilities to go along with quick reflexes, Williams continues to be a shining example of a player who has reached his highest level without needing to go abroad and is easily one of the best goalkeepers at the competition.

 

Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

 

A teammate of Williams at South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokoena is another example of a player in the team who has the technical ability to play abroad but has fully evolved in South African football. A central midfielder who enjoys plenty of freedom in the middle of the park, Mokoena is a skilled passer and striker of the ball who is particularly dangerous when attempting shots from distance.

 

Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates [RSA])

 

The Orlando Pirates attacker failed to make the grade at SuperSport United after developing at the now-defunct club’s excellent academy, but Appollis went down to South Africa’s second tier and earned his way back into the spotlight due to his performances at Polokwane City. Little used when called into the 2023 AFCON team, this time around he is set for a more prominent role. Provided timely goals and performances at the tail end of South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, making him a player that Broos cannot do without.

 

X-Factor

 

Lyle Foster (Burnley [ENG])

 

The talented striker was heralded as a future star early in his career but injuries have limited his impact in European club football, where he is currently in his fourth season at English Premier League side Burnley. Missed out on the 2023 AFCON due to “mental issues” but is back in good physical and mental health for the 2025 edition. It is difficult to know what to expect out of Foster but when he is in good form and the right state of mind, his advanced finishing ability is a valuable addition to Bafana Bafana that could make a vital difference in Morocco.

 

Angola

 

Introduction

 

A nation that has always produced talented footballers, Angola impressed by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFCON after years of failing to live up to their potential. The Palancas Negras made their breakthrough by qualifying for the 2006 World Cup but have not gotten the attention they deserve, something that tends to happen to Africa’s Lusophone nations.

 

A recent coaching change following a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign leaves an element of mystery with this group. However, new coach Patrice Beaumelle has a talented group with a good mix of experience and youth to make Angola a dangerous team that is certainly capable of returning to the quarterfinals if things go well.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances9
Best FinishQuarterfinals (2008, 2010, 2023)
Last Appearance2023- Quarterfinals

Key Players

 

Gelson Dala (Al Wakra [QAT])

 

Ever since a stellar 2023 AFCON where he scored four goals in five matches, Dala’s form has suffered for club and country since then due to injuries and inconsistent form. The forward is a menace on the dribble and capable of being a good finisher on his best day with the potential to score spectacular goals. In a group of talented forwards and wingers, however, he needs to be sharp or else Beaumelle won’t hesitate to explore other options.

 

Fredy (Bodrumspor [TUR])

 

The influential captain, now 35-years-old, is a crucial presence in the midfield for the Palancas Negras. The team’s set piece specialist is also an excellent passing playmaker, a crucial component in a squad that has plenty of pace. Currently in spectacular form with Turkish second tier side Bodrumspor, this will likely be Fredy’s last major tournament with his nation and he is a reliable player in a team known for inconsistency.

 

Kialonda Gaspar (Lecce [ITA])

 

Gaspar continues to quickly progress in his club career, impressing in the 2021-22 CAF Champions League with local club Sagrada Esperanca before thriving with Portuguese club Estrela Amadora. It was during this rise that Gaspar emerged as a crucial player for Angola, where he formed the backbone of a solid defense at the 2023 AFCON. A strong defender who consistently wins aerial duels, Gaspar will be key if Angola makes another deep run.

 

X-Factor

 

Mabululu (Al Ahli Tripoli [LBY])

 

An old-fashioned poacher, Mabululu is a popular figure in African football due to his trademark celebrations and colorful personality. It took the veteran a long time to find his way but a prolific spell with Angolan giants Primeiro de Agosto in the CAF Champions League as well as three excellent seasons in Egyptian football with Al Ittihad Alexandria launched his club and national team career. There is plenty of European-based competition for his place at the tip of the Angolan formation but Mabululu, now based in Libyan football, is a fan favorite who thrived at the 2023 AFCON with three goals at the tournament.

 

Zimbabwe

 

Introduction

 

After a difficult period where the Zimbabwe Football Association was banned by FIFA, causing the national team to miss out on the 2023 AFCON, supporters of the Warriors will be happy to see their team back on a big stage. The team’s prospects in Morocco are not looking ideal, however. An abysmal qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup saw the team almost finish last in their group and their current form is not encouraging.

 

In addition, injuries have left star midfielder Marshall Munetsi as well as important flank player Jordan Zemura. In the midst of a transition period that includes a focus on recruiting dual nationals to replace past stars like Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, expectations will be modest in Morocco but this team is capable of causing issues on their best day.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances5
Best FinishGroup Stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021)
Last Appearance2021- Group Stage

 

Key Players

 

Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen [DEN])

 

 

The imposing central defender has one of the most remarkable club careers seen in recent years, rising from playing in the third tier of South Africa to competing in the UEFA Champions League two years later. Now at Danish champions FC Copenhagen, Garananga has fallen out of favor at his club but continues to develop into a key piece of the Zimbabwean defense. The Warriors will need strong performances from their defensive line, which is a strong point in the team.

 

Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town [ENG])

 

 

With Munetsi out of the competition, Nakamba’s high workrate and determination will be essential in the heart of the Warriors midfield. The Luton Town player has endured a difficult period where injuries ruled him out for almost a year, but he is getting back into full fitness just in time for the AFCON and was allowed early leave by Luton to join up and prepare for the tournament where he will be an important veteran presence.

 

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell [SCO])

 

After a bright start to his time with Zimbabwe, the forward failed to follow up on early success when he was given starting opportunities during 2026 World Cup qualifying. However, the Leicester City youth product has an excellent opportunity in a struggling attack that is looking for answers after newly hired coach Mario Marinica elected to go without veteran stars from the past. Maswanhise’s form for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell has been fantastic, leaving him as one of the league’s top scorers and his excellent form will boost his case for an important role in Morocco.

 

X-Factor

 

Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen [BEL])

 

 

A youth prodigy who was signed from Zimbabwean powerhouse Dynamos by Belgian club KV Mechelen, the winger struggled with a long injury absence before finally getting his opportunity in Belgium. There is still plenty of development needed for the 23-year-old when it comes to his finishing and services into the penalty area, but his pace and ability on the dribble is impossible to ignore. This Warriors attack needs a spark and after seeing limited playing time in 2026 World Cup qualifying, it appears that new coach Marinica has taken a liking to Antonio’s potential.

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AFCON 2025 Preview
Angola
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