Key Highlights
- South Africa begins their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Angola.
- The match is part of Group B, alongside Egypt and Zimbabwe.
- South Africa reached the semi-finals at the last Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.
- Manager Hugo Broos faces criticism over comments regarding Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Welcome to South Africa v Angola: Live Updates from Afcon 2025
Hello and welcome to the live updates from the Africa Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Angola. Both teams are eager to start their Group B campaign, with a tough group that includes Egypt and Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s Build-Up
South Africa enters this tournament on a promising note after finishing third at the last Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, which saw them reach the semi-finals. They also won the third-place play-off against DR Congo, their best result since 2000.
Manager Hugo Broos has overseen South Africa’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in their opening match. This performance has raised expectations that South Africa could be among the favourites at this year’s Afcon, having won the tournament only once in 1996.
However, Broos’ build-up to the tournament has been overshadowed by controversy over comments regarding Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Broos denied being racist after criticizing Mbokazi for arriving late at a pre-tournament camp, which raised eyebrows among supporters and critics alike.
Angola’s Challenge
Angola also faces the task of emerging from Group B, despite having reached the quarter-finals in Cameroon two years ago. Their group includes South Africa and Egypt, making it tough going for both teams. Angola topped their previous group, ahead of Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Algeria.
Match Context
This match marks an exciting start to Group B, with all teams looking to make a strong impression early on. The clash between South Africa and Angola is particularly noteworthy as both nations have rich football histories within the continent. Fans across Africa are eagerly anticipating this encounter, which could set the tone for the entire group stage.
Follow live updates from the match below:
Live Updates
Background on South Africa’s Participation in Afcon 2025
South Africa’s journey to this tournament has been marked by a mix of success and controversy. Under manager Hugo Broos, they have secured their spot in the World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010. This achievement has brought renewed hope to South African football fans, who are looking forward to seeing their team compete at one of the continent’s most prestigious tournaments.
The team’s form in recent years has been encouraging, with victories over Morocco and Cape Verde leading them into the semi-finals of Afcon 2023. These results have not only boosted morale but also set a high standard for what fans expect from their national side at this year’s event.
Expert Analysis: The Road Ahead
As South Africa prepares to take on Angola, analysts and experts are closely watching the performance of both teams. With groups like Group B being seen as challenging, any early success or setbacks can significantly impact a nation’s chances in the tournament.
Experts suggest that while South Africa has the potential to be a formidable opponent, they will need to address the issues raised by manager Broos and ensure unity within the team. Conversely, Angola must capitalize on their experience from previous tournaments and aim for another strong showing.
The upcoming match between South Africa and Angola is set to be a defining moment in both teams’ Afcon campaigns. Fans across the continent will be tuning in to witness what promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter.
