Bafana Bafana will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against Angola on Monday evening.
The 1996 AFCON winners enter this tournament as underdogs, despite performing impressively over the past two years. In addition to Angola, Bafana will face Egypt and Zimbabwe in their group and aim to finish at least second to secure a spot in the round of 16.
In the last AFCON, Bafana finished third, marking their best performance since 2000. With high expectations, Hugo Broos’ team will need to replicate their success from 2024, or even aim to reach the final.
Here are three Bafana players to watch during AFCON:
Oswin Appollis
The speedy winger didn’t get enough playing time in the last tournament, so he will be eager to showcase his talent in Morocco. He has been the standout player in the Premier Soccer League this season, demonstrating exceptional form for both his club and country.
Relebohile Mofokeng
At just 21 years old, Mofokeng has much to prove. After a slow start to the season, compounded by injuries, he needs to be at his best for Bafana to go far in this AFCON whether as a starter or coming off the bench.
Lyle Foster
The Burnley striker has struggled to find his form with the national team. After missing the last tournament, Foster is determined to make an impact in 2025.
With some of the best attacking players on the continent around him, if he can convert his chances, he could become one of Bafana’s standout players at AFCON.
