South Africa National Football Team Chasing History

South Africa arrive in Morocco with renewed belief and a clear mission: to finally end a three-decade wait for continental glory. It has been almost 30 years since Mark Williams fired Bafana to AFCON glory in 1996, and under the steady guidance of Hugo Broos, the current squad believes the time is right to challenge again.

Recent performances suggest real progress. A narrow but confidence-boosting 1–0 friendly win over Ghana has sharpened belief, while Broos’ disciplined structure and tactical clarity continue to bring consistency to a side that once flattered to deceive.

Angola bring danger and momentum

While Angola may sit significantly lower than South Africa in the FIFA rankings, they are far from pushovers. The Palancas Negras have built a reputation as an organised, physical and tactically astute side capable of punishing complacency. For Bafana, this opener is less about rankings and more about control, patience and efficiency.

A tough group context

Group B is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s most demanding, with Zimbabwe and a star-studded Egypt side still to come. That reality makes Monday’s opener crucial: a positive result would immediately ease pressure and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Date, kick-off time & venue

• Match: South Africa vs Angola

• Date: Monday, 22 December 2025

• Kick-off: 17:00 GMT (19:00 CAT)

• Venue: Stade de Marrakech

How to watch in South Africa

• SABC 2

• SABC Sport

• SABC Plus App

• SABCSport.com

• SABC Radio stations

SA vs Angoala Head-to-Head Stats (CHAN & COSAFA Excluded)

Total matches: 13
South Africa wins: 6
Angola wins: 1
Draws: 6

Goals scored:

• South Africa: 14

• Angola: 9

SA vs ANG: Past Results

• 20 Nov 2022 – South Africa 1–1 Angola
  Friendly, Mbombela Stadium

• 21 Mar 2018 – South Africa 1–1 Angola (SA won 6–5 on penalties)
  Friendly, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium (Neutral)

• 28 Mar 2017 – South Africa 0–0 Angola
  Friendly, Buffalo City Stadium

• 17 Nov 2015 – South Africa 1–0 Angola
  2018 World Cup Qualifier, Moses Mabhida Stadium

• 13 Nov 2015 – Angola 1–3 South Africa
  2018 World Cup Qualifier, Ombaka National Stadium

• 16 Jun 2015 – South Africa 2–1 Angola
  Friendly, Cape Town Stadium

• 23 Jan 2013 – South Africa 2–0 Angola
  AFCON 2013 Group A, Moses Mabhida Stadium

• 23 Jan 2008 – South Africa 1–1 Angola
  AFCON 2008 Group D, Tamale Stadium (Neutral)

• 15 Jan 2002 – South Africa 1–0 Angola
  Friendly, Mmabatho Stadium

• 20 Jun 1999 – Angola 2–2 South Africa
  AFCON 2000 Qualifier, Estádio da Cidadela

• 03 Oct 1998 – South Africa 1–0 Angola
  AFCON 2000 Qualifier, FNB Stadium

• 08 Feb 1998 – South Africa 0–0 Angola
  AFCON 1998 Group C, Neutral venue

• 20 Jan 1996 – South Africa 1–0 Angola
  AFCON 1996 Group A, FNB Stadium

Home / Away Breakdown

Matches in South Africa

• Played: 9

• South Africa wins: 5

• Draws: 4

• Angola wins: 0

Matches in Angola

• Played: 2

• South Africa wins: 1

• Draws: 1

• Angola wins: 0

Neutral venues

• Played: 2

• Draws: 2

Key trend:

• Majority of matches decided by one goal or less

• No heavy defeats recorded by either side

• A fixture where precision, not pressure, usually decides the outcome