The 2025 AFCON draw has thrown Bafana Bafana into a group with Egypt, presenting them with the formidable challenge of facing Liverpool Mohamed Salah. The group also features COSAFA rivals in Angola and Zimbabwe.
The previous encounter between the two nations occurred at the 2019 AFCON, resulting in a South African victory that saw them eliminate the host nation, Egypt, in the quarterfinal.
The historical rivalry between Bafana Bafana and the Egyptian national team has seen the South Africans emerge victorious more often than not, despite facing one of the most formidable opponents in African football.
In 12 meetings, Bafana have come out victorious on seven occasions, drawing once and losing four times.
In their 12 encounters with Angola, the 1996 AFCON champions have achieved six victories, three defeats, and three draws.
And lastly, in their 18 matches against Zimbabwe, South Africa has recorded seven wins, while Zimbabwe has also won seven, with three matches ending in draws.
FULL AFCON DRAW
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
- Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
- Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
- Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
- Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
AFCON DATES
Group stages: Dec 21-31 (excluding Dec 25)
Last 16: Jan 3-6, 2026
Quarter-finals: Jan 9-10
Semi-finals: Jan 14
3rd place: Jan 17
Final: Jan 18
AFCON 2025 GROUP B FACTS
- For the first time since 1998, when they faced Angola and Namibia, South Africa will compete in an AFCON group featuring two COSAFA rivals. This year, they will encounter both Angola and Zimbabwe.
- This will mark the first-ever AFCON meeting between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the clash with Angola will be their fifth at the tournament, following previous encounters in 1996, 1998, 2008, and 2013. Notably, South Africa boasts an undefeated record against Angola in their four previous AFCON meetings, with two wins and two draws.
- With the inclusion of Zimbabwe, South Africa will now have faced four different Southern African nations at the AFCON: Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and now Zimbabwe.
- The group also presents a formidable challenge in the form of Egypt. This will be the fourth AFCON meeting between the two nations. South Africa emerged victorious in their most recent encounter in 2019, defeating the hosts in the round of 16. Their previous meetings include the 1998 final in Burkina Faso and a group stage clash in 1996.
- This is only the second time South Africa and Egypt have been drawn in the same AFCON group, the first being in 1996. Their overall record against Egypt at the AFCON stands at one win and two losses.
- Interestingly, both previous meetings between South Africa and Egypt at the AFCON occurred while one of the nations was the host. This year's encounter will mark the second time they meet without either team holding host status, following their 1998 final clash in Burkina Faso.
GROUP B PREDICTIONS: WHAT ARE BAFANA BAFANA CHANCES?
Taking into consideration the aforementioned, including head-to-head history and how teams qualified, Hugo Broos' troops should have a strong foundation for a successful campaign and a good chance of advancing from the group stage.
They are likely to finish at the summit of their group.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED?
- South Africa – Bafana Bafana dominated their group collecting four victories and drawing twice. They finished with 14 points after six games.
- Egypt – The Pharaohs topped their group winning four matches and drawing twice. They collected 14 points from six matches.
- Angola – Same as Egypt and Bafana, Palancas Negras also finished at the summit of their group standings, having won four and drawn two of their six games. They accumulated 14 points from six games.
- Zimbabwe – The Warriors were runners-up in their group after winning two, drawing three and losing one of their six matches. They collected nine points from six games.
GROUP B – KEY PLAYERS
South Africa:
- Ronwen Williams: South Africa's hopes rest heavily on the CAF 2024 Interclub Player of the Year and African Goalkeeper of the Year. Williams played a pivotal role in Bafana Bafana's third-place finish in the previous AFCON.
- Themba Zwane: “Mshishi's” absence has been felt. His return and playmaking abilities will be crucial, as they were in the previous AFCON.
Egypt:
- Mohamed Salah: After previous continental disappointments, Salah will be determined to lead Egypt to success this time around.
- Omar Marmoush: The 25-year-old has emerged as a star for Egypt, earning a move to Manchester City. He will be a key player for his national team.
Angola:
- Rendy Nteka: The Rayo Vallecano midfielder, fresh off a brace against Girona, is expected to be a key figure for Angola at AFCON.
- Zini: The Levadiakos forward is a key player for his club and will be expected to carry that form into the national team.
Zimbabwe:
- Khama Billiat: Since returning from retirement, Billiat's presence has been a boost for Zimbabwe. He has expressed his desire to help the team achieve success at AFCON.
- Marvelous Nakamba: The experienced Luton Town midfielder, with significant club, national team, and AFCON experience, will play a major role in Zimbabwe's aspirations.
