Bafana aim to set AFCON tone in opener vs Angola

Pride and momentum will be at stake as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway, with Bafana Bafana beginning their pursuit of a second continental crown when they take on Angola at the Marrakech Stadium on Monday evening (7pm kick-off).

Since lifting the trophy in 1996, Bafana head into this clash having met their Southern African neighbours four times, including during that historic title-winning campaign, and have yet to suffer defeat in those encounters.

Hugo Broos and his side will be determined to maintain that record on Monday, and drawing confidence from their last AFCON showing, they arrive at this tournament carrying high expectations to match — or even surpass — last year’s impressive third-place finish.

The current squad has regularly been likened to the class of 1996 and, with the solid balance and consistent progress made under the Belgian coach, this could be the tournament where South Africa are well positioned to launch a serious title challenge.

The clash with Angola is expected to be a demanding test, but it also offers a crucial chance to set the tone early in the competition, with plenty riding on the opening encounter.

Bafana Bafana do not boast the strongest record in AFCON opening matches, and here we break down three of their most memorable opening games from previous tournaments.

Bafana vs Cameroon – 1996

Following their return to international football after the lifting of the apartheid ban, South Africa re-entered continental competition in 1994 but failed to qualify for the AFCON tournament hosted by Tunisia.

Two years later, history was written when they hosted the competition, which remains their only AFCON triumph to date. Goals from Philemon Masinga, Mark Williams and John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu ensured a flying start with a convincing 3–0 victory over the West and Central African side.

Williams, in particular, drew immense confidence from that performance and went on to score three more goals during the tournament, including a brace in the final against Tunisia as Bafana secured a 2–0 win to lift the trophy.

Bafana vs Gabon – 2000 (Nigeria and Ghana)

Nigeria and Ghana co-hosted the 2000 AFCON, with Bafana entering the tournament eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2–0 defeat to Egypt in the 1998 final and seize another chance at claiming a second title.

Up against Gabon in their opening match, South Africa, led by Trott Moloto, were rampant as they cruised to a 3–1 victory. Goals from Dumisa Ngobe and a Shaun Bartlett brace set the tournament alight, as Bafana remained unbeaten until their 2–0 semi-final loss to Nigeria, eventually finishing third.

Bafana vs Benin – 2004 (Tunisia)

A brace from Siyabonga Nomvethe handed Bafana Bafana a 2–0 win over Benin at the 2004 AFCON, a tournament that came with added pressure following their quarter-final exit at the previous edition hosted by Mali.

That dominant display would, however, prove to be their only group-stage victory, as a heavy 4–0 defeat to Nigeria and a 1–1 draw against Morocco saw South Africa fail to progress beyond the group stages.

Since that tournament, Bafana Bafana have yet to register an opening-day victory and will be hoping to change that trend against Angola.