LATEST: South Africa Team for Morocco Out Now — Major Decisions Revealed
BREAKING NEWS: HUGO BROOS DROPS BOMBSHELL AS BAFANA BAFANA FINAL AFCON SQUAD IS CONFIRMED — FULL 25-MAN LIST INCLUDED
South Africa has its answers at last. After weeks of speculation, debate, and growing anticipation, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially unveiled his 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco — and the announcement brought major surprises.
Despite widespread expectation that Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane would make the final cut after returning from injury over the weekend, the veteran playmaker has been left out. Zwane was one of the headline names in the earlier 54-man provisional squad, but Broos opted to proceed without him as he sharpens the team for Morocco.
The squad, unveiled at SABC studios in Auckland Park on Monday, is unsurprisingly dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players — a reflection of the two giants’ influence on Bafana’s resurgence over the last two years.
One of the biggest positives comes in the form of Lyle Foster, with the Burnley striker returning to AFCON competition after missing the previous edition due to mental-health concerns. Broos also injected youthful energy, handing first-ever senior call-ups to rising stars Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith, who both impressed at youth level.
CAF regulations allow teams to extend the traditional 23-man squad to 27 for medical cover, but SAFA will fund only two additional players. Broos has therefore opted for 25 players, with Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Moloisane named on standby.
South Africa will battle Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe in Group B, opening their campaign against Angola on 22 December.
Below is the full confirmed 25-man squad:
BAFANA BAFANA — FINAL AFCON 2025 SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
• Ronwen Williams
• Sipho Chaine
• Ricardo Goss
Defenders:
• Khuliso Mudau
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi
• Nkosinathi Sibisi
• Aubrey Modiba
• Samukelo Kabini
• Thabang Matuludi
• Siyabonga Ngezana
• Khulumane Ndamane
• Tylon Smith
Midfielders:
• Teboho Mokoena
• Thalente Mbatha
• Sphephelo Sithole
• Bathusi Aubaas
Forwards / Attackers:
• Evidence Makgopa
• Lyle Foster
• Relebohile Mofokeng
• Mohau Nkota
• Sipho Mbule
• Tshepang Moremi
• Oswin Appollis
• Elias Mokwana
• Shandre Campbell
Standby players:
• Mduduzi Shabalala
• Iqraam Rayners
• Thabo Moloisane