The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is just three weeks away from the big kick-off in North Africa. The head coaches of the various teams are almost done with their 25-man squad selections but have yet to announce them.
Botswana was the first team to name a 55-man squad, where they will later trim to 25.
South Africa also announced over 50 players that they will select the final 25 from, and have done so. On Monday morning, Head coach for the Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, announced his team for the much-awaited tournament in Morocco with three more players on standby.
The squad is headlined by nine players from Orlando Pirates. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is among the three goalkeepers Broos selected. In defence, centre-backs Nkosinathi Sibisi and 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi are part of the defence.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha is included in the four players selected.
In attack, Oswin Appollis, Tshpang Moremi, Evidence Magkopa, Sipho Mbule, and Relebohile Mofokeng are among the forwards.
Mamelodi Sundowns have five players in the final list, with striker Iqraam Rayners among the three players on standby. Number goalkeeper Ronwen Williams headlines the goalkeeping department with Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba among the defenders. In midfield, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubass are among the squad.
Eight foreign-based players were included in the list, with Tylon Smith of Queens Park Rangers, Siyabinga Ngezana of FCSB of Romania, and Samukele Kabini of Molde being defenders who ply their trade abroad.
In midfield, CD Tondela’s Sphephelo Sithole, who was a key player in the 2023 AFCON, was included. In the attack, Al Ettifa’s Mohau Nkota, Lyle Fpster of Burnley, and Shandre Campbell of Club Brugge are all part of the Broos’ squad.
Check out the complete list
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Tylon Smith, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders: Teboho Mokeona, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng.
Bafana Bafana’s group stage fixtures for AFCON 2025 (Group B):
Monday, December 22, 2025
South Africa v Angola – Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh – Kick-off: 5 pm
Friday, December 26, 2025
Egypt v South Africa – Adrar Stadium, Agadir – Kick-off: 3 pm
Monday, December 29, 2025
Zimbabwe v South Africa – Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh – Kick-off: 4 pm
