Broos names final Bafana Bafana squad for 2025 AFCON in Morocco

The wait is over as Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced his definitive squad for the much-anticipated CAF 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The announcement, streamed via SABC 2 on Monday from the Belgian mentor’s home base, concludes a week of speculation following the earlier release of a sizable 54-member preliminary squad. Broos has now put his faith in a select group of players tasked with navigating a challenging Group B, where South Africa will face continental heavyweights Egypt, along with Zimbabwe and Angola.

The quest for continental glory begins swiftly, with Bafana Bafana scheduled to clash with Angola in their opening group-stage encounter on December 22 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. The team will then travel to the Adrar Stadium in Agadir for a critical showdown against Egypt on December 26. Their final group match will see them return to the Grand Stade de Marrakech to take on Zimbabwe on December 29.

Building on the momentum of their bronze-medal finish at the last AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast in 2024, Broos’s charges are clearly aiming to surpass that achievement and reach the final this time around.

The final squad selection showcases a mix of established domestic talent, primarily drawn from the giants of the Premier Soccer League, alongside a contingent of promising players plying their trade overseas. The technical staff will be relying on the experience of players like Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane, complemented by the fresh dynamism of youngsters such as Shandre Campbell and Relebohile Mofokeng, to spearhead their campaign.

The Final Bafana Bafana Squad By Hugo Broos

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

Defenders: The backline is anchored by a strong Mamelodi Sundowns presence, including Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba. They are joined by Orlando Pirates’ Mbekezile Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, with European representation from Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers FC), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK) and Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB). Other key defenders include Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City) and Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy).

Midfielders: The engine room is controlled by Mamelodi Sundowns stalwarts Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas. The squad also features overseas-based Siphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela). Completing the midfield list is Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates).

Forwards: A potent attacking line features an Orlando Pirates core with Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, and Relebohile Mofokeng. Leading the international charge are Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Mohau Nkota (AL Ettifaq), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), and Elias Mokwane (AL Hazem).

The players on standby include Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs) and Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC).