The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, has kicked off its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a hard-fought victory, but not without revealing areas for improvement. Under the guidance of head coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana secured a 2-1 win over Angola in their opening match held in Morocco. Goals from Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis and former Pirates striker Lyle Foster sealed the win, though a second-half goal by Tshepang Moremi was disallowed by VAR for offside.

Coach Broos was candid about his team's performance, admitting they were "lucky" in the first half against an Angolan side that surprised them with its "technical and passing football," a style he noted was different from an average African team. A "harsh half-time talk" was reportedly necessary to galvanize the team, leading to a much-improved second-half display. Broos emphasized the need for greater focus in subsequent matches, warning that such luck might not persist. "It was lucky we won this game because there was no damage, but this can’t happen again," he stated, highlighting the importance of not underestimating opponents.

Looking ahead, Bafana Bafana faces a critical encounter against Egypt on December 26th, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 SA time. This match, taking place in Agadir, is crucial as a win for either side would guarantee a spot in the last 16. All eyes will be on the anticipated individual battle between Bafana Bafana's Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba and Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool legend. Modiba, known as "Postman" for his reliability, carries the demanding task of containing one of Africa's greatest wingers. He must also manage his discipline, having picked up a yellow card against Angola, as another booking would see him miss the final group match against Zimbabwe on December 29th.

Modiba's experience, with over 38 caps and a bronze medal from AFCON 2023, positions him as a trusted figure in Broos's setup. He was a constant presence in the last tournament, starting all seven matches during Bafana Bafana's strong defensive run, which included four consecutive clean sheets. His past performances against top attackers like Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, Nigeria's Moses Simon, and DR Congo's Theo Bongonda suggest he is well-equipped for the challenge.

Meanwhile, the discussion around the national team extends beyond the current campaign, with former coach Pitso Mosimane expressing a desire to return to the Bafana Bafana helm. Mosimane, who had an "underwhelming stint" in the 2010s, failing to qualify for the 2012 AFCON, believes now is "no better time to coach Bafana" given the "good generation of under-20s, under-17s." He stressed his availability for a "good project" but cautioned against short-sighted appointments based on fleeting results.

His coaching prowess is well-regarded, as exemplified by Keagan Dolly, who credits Mosimane for his "massive success" at Sundowns, including a treble win in 2016. Dolly lauded Mosimane's ability to transform the team into a cohesive, winning unit, instilling a "ruthless" mentality where performance superseded age or reputation. This history underscores Mosimane's pedigree as a "serial winner" who influences those around him.

The full Bafana Bafana 2025 AFCON squad comprises 25 players, with three on standby. Key players include goalkeepers Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss; defenders Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Thabang Matuludi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Tylon Smith; midfielders Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell; and forwards Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa. As Bafana Bafana navigates its group stage, the blend of current talent, strategic coaching, and the high stakes of AFCON 2025 promise an engaging tournament journey.