South Africa and Angola will face off in a Southern African derby as they open Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later today, with kick-off expected between 17:00 and 19:00. This marks the fifth time the two sides meet in the AFCON group stages. Bafana Bafana hold two wins and two draws from previous encounters, although Angola remain unbeaten in the last six meetings between the teams.
Bafana Bafana captain Rowen Williams says the squad is prepared for a tough contest. “We know each other very well. We play against each other week in, week out. Team spirit, the camaraderie, where most of the players are in good form as well,” said Williams. He added that the inclusion of overseas-based players brings valuable experience, noting that “there’s no claim that it will be easy.”
Meanwhile, in off-field developments, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has announced the launch of an African Nations League, set to begin in 2029. The annual tournament will feature all 54 CAF member countries and aims to strengthen African football while attracting top players back to the continent.
Building on this announcement, Motsepe elaborated, “In 2029, we will have the first African Nations League, where the best African players from all over the continent, and from all over the world, will participate.” He also confirmed that AFCON will return to a four-year cycle after 2027, with prize money increased to R16 million.
Photo: X/@BafanaBafana
