With exactly 20 days to the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, South Africa have stolen a march on the rest of the continent after head coach Hugo Broos became the first manager to officially unveil his final tournament squad.

The Belgian tactician on Monday released a 25-man list that blends proven international quality with a bold injection of youth, as Bafana Bafana aim to surpass their impressive third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

Broos retained nine players from the bronze-winning team, including AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament Ronwen Williams, while also handing opportunities to two uncapped 20-year-olds — Shandre Campbell of Club Brugge and Queens Park Rangers’ Tylon Smith. Both youngsters have had limited senior action this season, yet the coach insists their inclusion is part of a long-term plan.

“I’m also looking a little to the future with this selection,” Broos said. “We have to do at least the same as we did at the last Cup of Nations, which is reaching the semi-finals. We’re going with a lot more experience now, and the team has become far more mature over the last two years.”

South Africa, who have already qualified for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, will open their AFCON campaign on December 22 against Angola in Marrakech. They share Group B with Egypt and Zimbabwe.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers:
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders:
Samukele Kabini (Molde), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)

Midfielders:
Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)

Forwards:
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)

Broos’ early announcement sets the tone ahead of the continental showpiece, with Bafana Bafana now turning full attention to fine-tuning preparations for a tournament they hope will mark another chapter in their renewed rise.

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Morocco is pinning its hopes on the timely return of Achraf Hakimi as the Atlas Lions prepare for a historic home campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.

Nasser Larguet, former coach and technical director in Moroccan football, has offered fresh insight into Hakimi’s rehabilitation following the injury he sustained against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender has been out of action since the incident, raising concerns in both club and national team circles.

According to Larguet, Hakimi is undergoing an “intense and structured” rehabilitation programme aimed at ensuring he is fit for AFCON 2025, which Morocco will host.

He revealed that the right-back is putting in close to six hours of recovery work daily, underscoring his determination to return in peak condition.

PSG sources have also confirmed that Hakimi remains under strict medical supervision, receiving specialised treatment and closely monitored recovery sessions to accelerate his comeback.

Hakimi’s absence has been strongly felt. For PSG, his pace and tactical intelligence remain irreplaceable down the right flank.

For Morocco, the 25-year-old is a cornerstone of Walid Regragui’s system—providing defensive stability, explosive attacking runs, and dangerous set-piece deliveries.

With Morocco set to host AFCON for the first time since 1988, expectations are sky-high. The Atlas Lions have not lifted the continental crown since 1976, and the presence of their most influential players is seen as essential to ending the 49-year drought.

The emphasis on Hakimi’s recovery reflects Morocco’s broader investment in pre-tournament preparation, including medical, technical and logistical upgrades designed to give the team every advantage on home soil.

As the clock ticks towards kick-off in mid-2025, Hakimi’s commitment to an accelerated recovery has become a rallying point for supporters dreaming of an unforgettable Moroccan triumph.

Whether his comeback aligns perfectly with the tournament remains to be seen—but his determination has already reignited hope for a historic run.

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London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus was transformed into a celebration of African pride and Nigerian flair as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) launched the Diaspora Tour for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

The high-energy event drew African football legends, global fans and celebrities, with Nigeria’s own Alex Iwobi and music sensation Odumodublvck taking centre stage in a gathering designed to connect Africa’s football heritage with its vast diaspora.

The London stop is the first leg of a two-city tour that continues next week in Paris. The French capital will host events on December 3 and 4, including an opening ceremony at Palais de Tokyo, Yoyo, where the original AFCON Trophy will be on full display before returning to Morocco for the official Trophy Tour.

Nigeria’s Influence Felt Throughout the Event

Iwobi, one of the Premier League’s most prominent African players, was widely cheered as he mingled with fans at Piccadilly Circus, embodying the pride of the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025.

Odumodublvck, riding the wave of his global hit “Declan Rice,” represented Nigeria on the cultural front, adding to the festival-like atmosphere that blended music, football and diaspora identity.

Former Arsenal Vice-Chairman David Dein, a long-time supporter of African football and a close friend of several Nigerian players, described the AFCON Morocco 2025 era as “a special moment” for the continent.

“African football is special; it is full of passion because Africans are full of passion,” Dein said. “This event here in London has been a great success and a good advertisement for African football.”

Cameroon legend Alex Song, who enjoyed a cult following among Arsenal’s Nigerian fans during his playing days, said seeing Africans gather in London to celebrate the continent’s game was inspiring.

“We have always known African football is amazing, but now we are exporting this to the rest of the world to see,” he said.

A Celebration of Diaspora Identity

Ghanaian superstar Stonebwoyelectrified Thursday night’s reception with a performance that lit up the venue packed with international media, CAF partners and sponsors. Alongside Odumodublvck, his presence underscored the growing influence of African music in global culture.

CAF officials say the Tour is more than a promotional effort — it is a tribute to the unbreakable bond between African football and its global diaspora. Each stop reinforces the shared pride that spans continents, from Lagos to London, Accra to Paris.

With Nigeria expected to be one of the headline contenders when AFCON kicks off in Morocco next December, the Diaspora Tour has offered a timely reminder of the continent’s unity and the Nigerians abroad who continue to fly the flag proudly.

The road now leads to Paris — before the AFCON Trophy returns to Africa, where the dreams of millions of fans, especially Nigerians, are already building toward 2025.

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