Predicted Bafana Bafana XI vs Zim at AFCON: One key change?

Bafana Bafana left the pitch frustrated on Boxing Day after losing 1-0 to Egypt. Qualification for the AFCON knockouts is in the balance.

How will Hugo Broos line up his side against Zimbabwe?

Predicted Bafana Bafana XI vs Zimbabwe

We could see Broos drop Tshepang Moremi for his clubmate Relebohile Mofokeng, although that could be a considerable risk, but it would make sense given Moremi’s knack for causing havoc off the bench. Sphephelo Sithole will sit at the base of midfield with two roaming 8s, Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena, hoping to pull the strings behind a dynamic attack.

Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Appollis, Mbatha, Mofokeng; Foster.

A reminder of the starting XI vs Egypt: Williams, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Mbatha; Appollis, Foster, Moremi.

How can Bafana seal a Round of 16 slot at AFCON 2025?

Bafana Bafana need a point from their battle with Zimbabwe on matchday 3 of AFCON in order to qualify for the final 16, provided that already-qualified Egypt avoids defeat against Angola. If Bafana loses, they’ll then rely on being one of the four best third-placed teams to seal their passage to the Round of 16. Hugo Broos’ men lost 1-0 to Egypt in a match containing several contentious decisions. Egypt won and scored a dubious penalty in first-half stoppage time, while South Africa was denied what seemed a certain penalty in the dying embers of the second half.

Reminder of the Bafana squad at AFCON

25 players have been called up for AFCON duty, while three remain on standby. There’s a good mix of locally-based players and ones based abroad.

Goalkeepers

• Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
• Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC

Defenders

• Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Nkosinathi Sibisi – Pirates
• Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy
• Thabang Matuludi – Polowkane City
• Siyabonga Ngezana –  FCSB
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire
• Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Samukelo Kabini – Molde
• Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers

Midfielders

• Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thalente Mbatha – Pirates
• Sphephelo Sithole – Tondela

Forwards

• Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates
• Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq
• Sipho Mbule – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
• Elias Mokwana – Al Khazem
• Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge
• Lyle Foster – Burnley
• Tshepang Moremi – Pirates
• Evidence Makgopa – Pirates

Three players have been placed on standby to train in South Africa in case of injury:

• Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Mduduzi Shabalala – Kaizer Chiefs
• Thabo Moloisane – Stellenbosch