Photo by Charlé Lombard/Gallo Images/Getty Images

South Africa vs Angola Lineups, Preview

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 8:38 AM ET

One of the most exciting teams to watch for many football fans in the 2025 AFCON is the South African national team. South Africa will play their first match of the 2025 AFCON against Angola.

South Africa and Angola are in Group B, and they are also in the group with Egypt and Zimbabwe, who will play later today.

South Africa will look to make an impact in the AFCON following their qualification to the 2026 World Cup, their first World Cup since the 2010 World Cup, where they hosted.

The South African national team topped Group C in the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 18 points after ten games. Their record in the African World Cup qualifiers was five wins, three draws, and two losses.

(L-R) Sipho Percevale Mbule of South Africa is challenged by Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at Toyota Stadium on September 09, 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Charlé Lombard/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

They managed to top the group over Nigeria, who, on paper, is one of the star-studded squads in Africa. Before the 2025 AFCON, South Africa played a friendly match against Ghana, where they won 1-0 with a goal from Sipho Mbule.

Angola did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing fourth in Group D of the CAF World Cup qualifiers. After 10 World Cup qualifier matches in Africa, Angola's record was two wins, six draws, and two losses.

Angola played two friendlies before the 20225 AFCON at home: one against Argentina and one against Zambia.

Angola lost 2-0 to Argentina as the World Champions' goal scorers were Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi. Angola then defeated Zambia with goals from Jao Felicio, Zito Luvumbo, and Mabululu.

Where to Watch South Africa vs Angola

South Africa vs Angola will kick off at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. PT in the United States. The match will kick off at 6 p.m. local time in Marrakech, Morocco, at the Stade de Marrakech.

The match will be available to watch across select TV channels and streaming services in the United States and in other countries.