Big Names at Risk — See Broos’ Final AFCON Squad, Fimal List Today
Bafana Bafana will learn their official 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad today, with head coach Hugo Broos set to unveil his final selection at 12:00 on SABC Sport. After naming a massive 55-man preliminary group, the Belgian tactician now trims the list to the core group that will carry South Africa’s hopes in Morocco.
The tournament, running from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, places Bafana in a tough Group B alongside Angola (22 Dec), Egypt (26 Dec) and neighbours Zimbabwe (29 Dec) — all in Marrakesh and Agadir.
Broos faces tough calls
Broos admitted earlier that today’s cut will “hurt” some players, a sign of how competitive the national pool has become since qualifying for both AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With CAF allowing up to 28 registered players, but only 23 covered financially, Broos must balance depth, fitness and form.
Who is safe?
A strong Sundowns-Pirates spine is expected again:
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams
Sipho Chaine
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Aubrey Modiba
Thapelo Morena
Siyabonga Ngezana
Khulumani Ndamane
Samukelo Kabini
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena
Sphephelo Sithole
Sipho Mbule
Bathusi Aubaas
Thalente Mbatha
Attackers/Wingers
Oswin Appollis
Relebohile Mofokeng
Mohau Nkota
Lyle Foster
Evidence Makgopa
Iqraam Rayners
Themba Zwane is expected to make the squad if fully fit, while Elias Mokwana is pushing hard after rediscovering form.
Who could miss out?
Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs) — featured before but unlikely to make final cut.
Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi — inconsistent season may see him omitted.
Elias Mokwana — once a key figure in AFCON 2023, but no longer a regular under Broos.
Timing intensifies pressure
All clubs must release players by 8 December, while Broos finalises his list long before the World Cup Draw on 5 December, which will shape Bafana’s 2026 journey.
Today marks the final step before Bafana’s AFCON campaign begins — and for some players, a dream realised; for others, disappointment. The nation awaits Broos’ verdict at midday.