South Africa vs Angola Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

Both national teams will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign with this match.

The Stade de Marrakech prepares for a tough matchup this Monday as South Africa and Angola face off in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener. Even though Bafana Bafana enter the tournament with high expectations following their bronze medal in the previous edition, the Palancas Negras know exactly how to rattle strong teams.

No one brings the hype like Bafana Bafana does! ⚡🇿🇦Have a look at the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 official photoshoot of the South Africans 📸 pic.twitter.com/1B73qccdDR

— TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@TotalAFCON2025) December 20, 2025

Notably, Hugo Broos manages his 50th game in charge of the South African side, and he demands absolute focus from a squad that cruised through the qualifiers unbeaten. On the other hand, Angola arrive with fresh memories of their shock 3-0 win over a makeshift South African outfit in the COSAFA Cup earlier this year. It is a result that surely fuels their belief.

Tactically, Ronwen Williams leads the South African defence with a cool head, whereas Gelson Dala provides the attacking flair that the Angolans rely upon to breach opposing lines. So, supporters expect Percy Tau to exploit the wide areas, while Angola likely plan to absorb pressure and counter with speed.

Historically, the records favour South Africa slightly. However, the unpredictable nature of opening fixtures often levels the playing field. Also, the Moroccan heat complicates things.

It will force players to manage their energy reserves carefully throughout the ninety minutes. Above all, this encounter looks set to be a thriller as both nations strive to seize early control of the group standings.

Kick-off:

• Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
• Stadium: Stade de Marrakech
• Date: Monday, December 22
• Kick-off Time: 10:30 PM IST
• Referee: Mahmood Ismai
• VAR: In use

Form:

South Africa (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-D

Angola (in all competitions): W-L-D-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Percy Tau (South Africa)

Percy Tau leads the Bafana Bafana attack with real confidence. His movement demands attention from wary defenders. Watch how the Al Ahly winger uses his technical skill to cut inside from the flank.

This action opens clear shooting lanes for his teammates. Because of this, South Africa look to his creative vision to dismantle the compact Angolan setup. They will count on him to get the goals they need.

Gelson Dala (Angola)

On the other side, Gelson Dala is the main spark for Angola. He turns defence into attack with his explosive pace. He is fast, but the forward also reads the game intelligently.

Dala often finds pockets of space between the opposition’s centre-backs. South Africa often play a high line. So, Dala stands ready to punish any defensive hesitation with his clinical finishing.

Match Facts:

• Hugo Broos will hit a massive personal number this Monday. He sits in the dugout for his 50th game as the South Africa boss, which highlights the stability he brought to the national setup.
• Fans expect a fiery response from South Africa. They watched Angola crush a reserve Bafana team 3-0 in the COSAFA Cup recently. That heavy defeat gives the main squad extra motivation to set the record straight in Morocco.
• These sides rarely meet at the finals, but South Africa hold the bragging rights from their last big clash. Back in 2013, Bafana Bafana beat Angola 2-0 on home soil during the group stages. Siyabonga Sangweni and Lehlohonolo Majoro scored the goals that day to sink the Palancas Negras.

South Africa vs Angola: Betting Tips and Odds

• South Africa to win: 2.40 as per 1xBet.
• Total goals under 2.5: 1.53 as per Winmatch.
• Both teams to score: 1.66 as per 1Win.

Injuries and Team news:

Hugo Broos faces a frustrating selection problem this weekend because Grant Kekana failed a late fitness test on Saturday morning due to a recurring hamstring issue. The Mamelodi Sundowns defender pulled up during the final tactical session. So, the medical staff immediately ruled him out to prevent any long-term damage.

To make matters worse, Thapelo Maseko remains a serious doubt after he watched the final warm-ups from the sidelines and nursed his right knee with heavy ice packs. So, the coach must reshuffle his backline to cope with losing these key men against a dangerous opponent.

Patrice Beaumelle must pick his starting lineup without Clinton Mata. He unfortunately picked up a heavy knock in his final club game before the tournament began. The Lyon full-back stayed behind in France for treatment. It leaves the coach with no choice but to trust fresh faces in that role on the right flank.

Word from the Angolan camp says that Show, their influential midfielder, is struggling with a sudden bout of flu and missed the last two training sessions. Because of this, the manager might name him among the substitutes rather than risk him from the start in such demanding conditions.

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total Matches Played: 20
• South Africa Wins: 9
• Angola Wins: 5
• Draws: 6

Predicted Starting Lineups:

South Africa’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Siyanda Xulu, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole; Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis; Zakhele Lepasa.

Angola’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

Neblú; Eddie Afonso, Kialonda Gaspar, Jonathan Buatu, Núrio Fortuna; Fredy, Manuel Keliano, Estrela; Gilberto, Mabululu, Gelson Dala.

Match Prediction:

South Africa should win in this tight contest because the squad holds more experience in high-pressure tournaments.

Hugo Broos demands tactical rigour. So his team will likely neutralise the Angolan counter-attacks. Even though the Palancas Negras carry a threat, they often miss the final touch against organised defences. Thus, one goal should win it. 

Prediction: South Africa 1-0 Angola

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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