Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 journey has extended beyond the group stage, with South Africa advancing to the Round of 16 and carrying momentum into January 2026.
Update: AFCON 2025 Round of 16 outcome
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 campaign came to an end in the Round of 16 following their defeat to Cameroon on Sunday, 4 January 2026. South Africa exited the tournament at the knockout stage, bringing their continental campaign to a close.
AFCON 2025 group stage
South Africa faced Angola, Egypt and Zimbabwe between 22 and 29 December 2025 in Morocco, with all three games played in the evening South African time.
Group results are retained below for reference as part of South Africa’s AFCON 2025 campaign record.
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Kick-off | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 22 Dec 2025 | South Africa vs Angola | Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh | 19:00 | 2 – 1 |
| Fri, 26 Dec 2025 | Egypt vs South Africa | Adrar Stadium, Agadir | 17:00 | 1 – 0 |
| Mon, 29 Dec 2025 | Zimbabwe vs South Africa | Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh | 18:00 | 2 – 3 |
AFCON 2025 knockout stage (January 2026)
Bafana Bafana advanced to the Round of 16 at AFCON 2025 but were eliminated following their knockout fixture against Cameroon.
Round of 16 result
- Match: South Africa vs Cameroon
- Date: 4 January 2026
- Venue: Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
- Result: South Africa 1–2 Cameroon
South Africa’s exit marked the end of their AFCON 2025 campaign, with attention now turning to preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final 25-man Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2025
Coach Hugo Broos has named a 25-man group that keeps the core of the 2023 AFCON bronze-medal team while adding Europe-based youngsters and PSL form players.
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (both Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (both Orlando Pirates)
- Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
- Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania)
- Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway)
- Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers, England)
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards / Attacking players
- Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley, England)
- Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia)
- Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia)
- Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Standby reserves named by the technical team are Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC), who can be called in if injuries or withdrawals occur before the tournament.
Broos has repeatedly stressed that AFCON 2025 is the next step in South Africa’s rebuild, saying that if Bafana can “step up at the AFCON and get the same results, the progress will be enormous”.
Bafana Bafana and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking South Africa’s return to the global tournament for the first time since hosting the competition in 2010.
The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The expanded tournament format includes:
- 12 groups of four teams
- The top two teams from each group advancing
- Eight additional third-placed teams progressing to the knockout stage
For African nations, qualification places were increased, reflecting FIFA’s expansion of the competition and CAF’s revised qualification structure.
South Africa’s qualification carries added significance given the national team’s limited World Cup history.
Bafana Bafana have previously appeared at the tournament in 1998 (France), 2002 (South Korea/Japan) and 2010 (South Africa). Their return in 2026 represents a generational milestone for the current squad and coaching staff.
As preparations intensify, attention will shift to group allocation, match venues and travel logistics once the official draw takes place.
A dedicated guide covering Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup fixtures, including predicted match windows and confirmed dates once available, will be published as soon as more concrete information surfaces from official sources
How to watch Bafana Bafana live in South Africa
South Africans will have multiple ways to follow every minute from Morocco:
- Free-to-air: The SABC has confirmed that all 52 AFCON 2025 matches will be broadcast live across SABC 2, SABC Sport platforms, radio and the SABC Plus streaming app, through a sponsorship agreement with Hollywoodbets.
- Pay-TV / streaming: SuperSport holds the sub-Saharan Africa pay-TV rights for AFCON 2025, meaning all Bafana fixtures will be available live on DStv sports channels and the DStv Stream app.
Fans attending local fan parks and public screenings should check whether organisers are using the SABC free-to-air feed or DStv’s SuperSport coverage, as this can affect commentary language and pre-/post-match analysis.
This article will continue to track Bafana Bafana’s progress through the remainder of AFCON 2025 and into the 2026 international calendar.
Updates will include confirmed knockout fixtures, post-AFCON international friendlies and key developments as South Africa prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Readers can return to this page for the latest confirmed information as the national team’s schedule evolves.
