Football: Official! Hugo Broos announces South Africa’s final 25-man squad for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Zwane out, Campbell and Smith earn Bafana Bafana call-ups
We are now under 20 days away from the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and with the quality of teams set to feature in Morocco this year, many are expecting this year’s edition to be the most widely followed yet. We will be covering every match at the competition in our football predictions.
South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, was the first to reveal his preliminary selection list for the competition, and the Belgian tactician has wasted no time in putting an end to speculation among Bafana Bafana fans by confirming the 25-man squad that will travel north later this month.
Much of the news headlines surrounding Broos’ selection in recent days has revolved around his inclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Temba Zwane in the preliminary squad despite his recurring injury issues in recent years. However, Zwane has not made the final cut for the competition.
Orlando Pirates are well-represented in the Bafana Bafana setup for AFCON, with nine players called up to the squad, including the likes of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appolis, all of whom played key roles in the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Somewhat surprisingly, PSL champions Masandawa have only had five players summoned for the tournament, led by skipper Ronwen Williams, along with Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas. Iqraam Rayners has been placed on standby.
Elsewhere, Club Brugge winger Shandre Campbell and Queens Park Rangers centre-back Tylon Smith have both been handed first-time call-ups to the South African national soccer team. The other two players on standby are Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabo Moloisane.
South Africa is drawn in Group B for the 2025 AFCON and will face Angola in their opening match before their blockbuster clash with Egypt in Agadir on Boxing Day. Bafana Bafana’s final group-stage clash will be against Zimbabwe on December 29 in Marrakesh.
Bafana Bafana final 25-player squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Samukelo Kabini, Tylon Smith
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Mohau Nkota, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell
Standby reserves: Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners, Thabo Moloisane
