South Africa will begin their quest for a second Africa Cup of Nations title when they take on Angola at the Stade de Marrakech on Monday, with both sides aiming to make the perfect start to their AFCON 2025 campaign.
Bafana Bafana won their only AFCON crown on home soil back in 1996 – their debut appearance – and that era marked their golden period in the competition, as they went on to finish second and third in the next two editions.
Angola, by contrast, are still searching for a first semi-final appearance, having reached the quarter-finals on two occasions.
South Africa appear to have rediscovered their rhythm in recent years, finishing third at the 2023 AFCON while keeping a tournament-high five clean sheets. They have also secured automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, topping a group that included Nigeria despite a three-point deduction.
Bafana Bafana were unbeaten throughout the 2025 AFCON qualification campaign (4W, 2D), producing several impressive attacking displays and scoring 16 goals, with only Morocco finding the net more often.
Unbeaten in 11 matches heading into the tournament (5W, 6D), South Africa are viewed by many as genuine contenders to go all the way, although they now face the last nation to have beaten them in any competition.
Angola recorded a 3-0 victory over South Africa to lift the 2025 COSAFA Cup in June, but the Palancas Negras have struggled for consistency since, winning just two of their last seven matches (2D, 3L).
With only one win from nine AFCON group-stage openers in their history (6D, 2L), the signs suggest they could stumble once again.
However, the Southern Africans were also unbeaten during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (4W, 2D), conceding just twice across the campaign – a defensive record bettered by only two teams.
After reaching the quarter-finals at the previous AFCON, Patrice Beaumelle will be hoping his side can rediscover the defensive resilience shown in qualification and reach the semi-finals for the first time.
How the bookies view it: South Africa seen as slight favourites
South Africa arrive in stronger form and have historically held the upper hand in this fixture at AFCON, a pattern reflected in the betting.
Bafana Bafana are priced as narrow favourites, with odds of 31/20 on bet365, while the relatively short draw price of 7/4 points to a tight, low-margin contest in which neither side is expected to dominate. Angola are viewed as outsiders at 12/5.
Recent head-to-head: South Africa tournament dominance but Angola with recent edge
The sides have met four times at AFCON, with South Africa unbeaten, recording two wins and two draws.
However, Angola are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Bafana Bafana in all competitions (3W, 4D).
Players to watch: Oswin Appollis in fine form
Appollis was directly involved in six goals during AFCON qualification, scoring twice and providing four assists. The Orlando Pirates winger has also found the net for South Africa in each of the past three months, making him a key figure to watch in the Bafana Bafana set-up.
Appollis to score at anytime is 4/1, and this is a value bet. Our value bet masterclass shows how to spot good betting options with high odds.
Probable line-ups
Appollis appeared to struggle for mobility after South Africa’s 1-0 friendly win over Ghana on Tuesday, but head coach Hugo Broos has since eased concerns by confirming he is fit.
South Africa come into the contest at full strength with no injury worries, while Angola are almost at full capacity, with AEK Athens midfielder Zini the only absentee due to a knee injury.
South Africa: Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau; Mbatha, Mokoena; Mofokeng, Mbule, Nkota; Foster
Angola: Marques; Carneiro, Carmo, Gaspar, Mata; Maestro, Fredy; Banza, Mukendi, Luvumbo; Mabululu
Anything else that catches the eye?
South Africa have conceded more than once in just one of their last 11 matches, making an under two goals bet for Angola a potentially attractive option.
Only two teams collected more yellow cards than the Palancas Negras during AFCON qualification, with Angola cautioned 16 times – an average of 2.6 per match – suggesting an over three cards market could be worth consideration.
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