South Africa vs Ghana Match: AFCON Countdown Key Takeaways
Bafana Bafana host old rivals Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday in their only official warm-up match ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. While the fixture has the feel of a practice run, it still carries significance as Hugo Broos fine-tunes his squad after a week dominated by off-field distractions.
Here are the key talking points ahead of kick-off.
1. A second-string Ghana, but still Ghana
With the match falling outside the FIFA international window, Ghana have arrived without their Europe-based stars. Having also failed to qualify for AFCON, the visitors are fielding a locally based CHAN-style squad, known as the Black Galaxies, under coach Kassim Mingle rather than Otto Addo. It may not be the famous Black Stars, but Ghana’s badge still commands respect and provides a competitive test.
2. Broos also forced to rotate
Bafana will not be at full strength either. Broos has confirmed that only players who have been in camp for the full first week will feature. This rules out several overseas-based regulars, including Lyle Foster, Siyabonga Ngezana and Yaya Sithole. With most of the squad home-based, the impact is limited, but it opens the door for players like Evidence Makgopa to lead the attack.
3. A few places still up for grabs
While Broos likely has his strongest XI in mind for AFCON, a couple of positions remain open. The battle on the right wing and at left-back will be closely watched, with players given one last chance to impress before the squad departs for Morocco. Tuesday’s line-up may offer clues about Broos’ thinking.
4. History offers balance, not dominance
South Africa and Ghana have met 15 times, with Bafana holding a narrow 6–5 edge and four draws. Their last encounter was the painful 2022 World Cup qualifier in Cape Coast, decided by a controversial penalty. Only Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena remain from that side, underlining how much has changed under Broos.
5. More than just a result
With Bafana leaving for Morocco on 17 December and AFCON starting on the 21st, this match is about rhythm, confidence and clarity. South Africa topped their qualification group unbeaten, while Ghana finished bottom of theirs. After winning bronze at the last AFCON, expectations are higher this time — and this friendly offers a final gauge of readiness before the real pressure begins.
For Broos and his players, Ghana may be understrength, but the lessons from this match could still prove crucial in Morocco.