South Africa have won ten of their 20 previous encounters with Angola, their pair's most-recent AFCON clash coming in 2013 when Bafana Bafana, the hosts back then, won 2-0 in Durban.
South Africa vs Angola preview
This is the start of a massive six months for South Africa, so just how far will they go at this Africa Cup of Nations? Back in October, on a dramatic final day of the group stages, Bafana Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 in Mbombela, thereby booking their place at next summer's World Cup, the first time they'll feature since hosting the tournament in 2010. Well, on 11 June, they'll be involved in a opening match, facing Mexico at the Azteca in a rematch of the curtain raiser from exactly 16 years to the day before, and many are tipping them to be dark horses both here and in North America.
In AFCON terms, South Africa have only won this competition once, hoisting the trophy aloft on home soil in 1996, but did make it all the way to the semi-finals of last year's edition. After upsetting the odds to oust Morocco in the round of 16, they overcame Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, extraordinarily, saving four of the five spot-kicks he faced, before a shootout defeat to Nigeria in the semis in Bouaké. This time round, Hugo Broos' side are hoping to go even further, so will Bafana Bafana make a winning start at Marrakesh Stadium?
As for Angola, this will be their tenth Africa Cup of Nations appearance, having become tournament regulars, set to feature at a third edition out of the last four. Last year, the Black Sable antelopes enjoyed their joint-best ever run at the competition, getting all the way to the quarter-finals.
After surprisingly topping a group that contained Algeria, Mauritania and Burkina Faso, they hammered Namibia in the round of 16, before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in the last eight in Abidjan. Patrice Beaumelle's team them came through qualification unbeaten, notably beating World Cup-bound Ghana 1-0 in Kumasi, underlining that Angola cannot be underestimated. Nevertheless, South Africa certainly kick off as favourites in Marrakesh.
South Africa vs Angola head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 20.
- South Africa Wins: 10. Draws: 7. Angola Wins: 3.
South Africa team news
The overwhelming majority of Hugo Broos' side ply their trade in the domestic league, with many of their key figures involved in last summer's Club World Cup with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Some exceptions include Queens Park Rangers defender Tylon Smith as well as striker Lyle Foster of Burnley, who has five goals for Bafana Bafana to his name.
South Africa predicted lineup vs Angola: (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Sibisi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Aubaas; Makgopa, Appollis, Foster.
South Africa player to watch vs Angola
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the star of South Africa's run to the semi-finals at the most-recent AFCON, and his stock could rise further at this edition.
Angola team news
Patrice Beaumelle's players are based far and wide, including captain Fredy of Bodrum, who will win his 67th cap on the wing.
Forward Manuel Benson of Swansea switched his international allegiance from Belgium last year, but is not likely to start, with Crvena zvezda striker Felício Milson set to be part of their attack
Angola predicted lineup vs South Africa: (4-4-2): Neblú; Mata, Buatu, Carmo, Afonso; Mukendi, Show, Fredy Milson; Gelson, Mabululu.
Angola player to watch vs South Africa
Gelson Dala is the top-scorer in the squad with 21 international goals, bagging braces against both Mauritania and Naminia during the last AFCON, so could he be their hero here?
South Africa vs Angola prediction
As mentioned, Angola cannot be written off, but we are backing South Africa to be simply too strong in Marrakesh, forecasting a victory for Bafana Bafana on Monday: South Africa 2-0 Angola.
South Africa vs Angola FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch South Africa vs Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
South Africa vs Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch South Africa vs Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
South Africa vs Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for South Africa vs Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations?
South Africa vs Angola takes place on Monday 22 December 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (GMT), 12:00 (ET) & 9:00 (PT).