- This South Africa vs Angola prediction article provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks day two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM EAT / 6:00 PM local time at the Marrakesh Stadium.
South Africa will be aiming to make a strong start in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign when they face Angola in what promises to be a thrilling Monday night encounter at the Marrakesh Stadium.
Both sides intend to announce themselves in a fiercely competitive Group B, widely considered this edition’s “group of death,” which also features record champions Egypt and Zimbabwe- the latter two set to clash on the same day.
Bafana Bafana enter the tournament as one of the seeded dark horses and are viewed as a genuine threat, arriving in superb form.
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They are currently on a nine-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, recording six victories and three draws.
Their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign was exceptional, as they finished top of their group without defeat (W4 D2).
They netted 16 goals- the joint second-highest tally in the qualifiers while conceding only five.
In addition, Hugo Broos’s side secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by again topping their group in the CAF Qualifiers, despite having a victory over Lesotho overturned for fielding an ineligible player.
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Their most recent AFCON appearance was at the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, where they claimed third place after defeating DR Congo on penalties in the playoff following a semi-final loss to Nigeria.
For Angola, this marks their 10th appearance in the continental showpiece since their debut in 1996.
Like South Africa, they also secured their ticket to this 35th edition unbeaten in qualifying, with four wins and two draws.
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They will enter this match determined to maintain their flawless run while seeking to replicate and surpass- their performance from the last edition, where an unblemished start carried them to the quarterfinals.
Having remained undefeated in their first four matches of that tournament, they will be eager to build on that foundation.
Here are the key details for Monday’s South Africa vs Angola match, along with betting tips for wagering on SportPesa.
What time does South Africa vs Angola kick off?
This compelling Group B clash of AFCON 2025 will be played on Monday, December 22 at the Marrakesh Stadium, with kick-off set for 8 PM EAT / 6 PM local time.
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Bafana Bafana vs Angola team news
Oswin Appollis has been declared fully fit and available for South Africa’s opener after limping off in a recent friendly against Ghana B.
The South African FA has confirmed a clean bill of health for the squad. Broos has stated the team is largely injury-free ahead of their Group B opener, a positive update after earlier concerns.
Meanwhile, the Palancas Negras have suffered a confirmed injury blow: forward Zine Salvador has been ruled out of AFCON 2025 after sustaining an injury in club competition that will sideline him for the entire tournament, depriving the squad of a key attacking option.
Reports also indicate that midfielder Show has missed recent training sessions due to flu.
His availability for the starting lineup remains uncertain depending on his recovery, though no formal absence has been officially confirmed.
South Africa vs Angola predicted lineups
- South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Sibisi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Aubaas; Makgopa, Appollis, Foster.
- Angola: Neblú; Mata, Buatu, Carmo, Afonso; Mukendi, Show, Fredy, Milson; Gelson, Mabululu.
SportPesa odds over 2.5 @ odds 2.75
South Africa vs Angola head-to-head record
This will be the 20th meeting between the nations. South Africa have nine wins, Angola four, with six matches ending in draws.
It will also be their fifth encounter at an AFCON final. Across their previous four meetings in the tournament, Bafana Bafana have won twice, with the other two ending level.
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All four previous AFCON clashes occurred in the group stages.
On each of the four occasions the teams were drawn together, only one advanced to the knockout rounds: South Africa in 1996, 1998, and 2013, and Angola in 2008.
Their most recent AFCON meeting was in 2013, when hosts South Africa won 2–0 in Durban with goals from Siyabonga Sangweni and Lehlohonolo Majoro.
South Africa vs Angola prediction and betting tips
Angola are unbeaten in their last six matches against South Africa (W3 D3). South Africa’s last victory over Angola came in November 2015, a 1–0 win in World Cup qualifying.
South Africa have won only three of their 11 opening AFCON matches (1996, 2000, 2004), with all three victories coming by a margin of two or more goals.
Meanwhile, Angola have won just one of their nine AFCON openers (D6 L2) a 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso in 2012.
Given the historical context, this match is expected to be tightly contested.
SportPesa odds over 2.5 @ odds 2.75
Both are robust sides, and while Angola may enter as slight favorites in this fixture, South Africa cannot be discounted.
Goals are anticipated in this encounter. If both attacks capitalize on their chances, each side is likely to find the net.
