They are placed in a challenging group with Zimbabwe which also features Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe, aiming to at least match their bronze medal achievement from two years ago in Ivory Coast.

Coach Hugo Broos has set reaching the semi-finals as the minimum goal and has selected a 25-player squad to accomplish this.

Below is a brief player-by-player breakdown of the squad:

Goalkeepers

Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates): A reliable backup to Ronwen Williams who has performed very well for Orlando Pirates this season, despite playing behind one of the league’s strongest defensive units.

Ricardo Goss (Siwelele): Considered the third-choice goalkeeper, he brings valuable experience and composure off the field. A positive presence within the squad.

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns): The team captain and clear first-choice keeper, Williams was instrumental in Bafana Bafana’s bronze medal run at the 2023 finals, saving numerous penalties during shootouts in the knockout stages. He is now a highly experienced international and club player.

Defenders

Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway): A newcomer to the squad, the 21-year-old left-back earned his place through impressive performances with Norwegian club Molde. Tall for a full-back, he enjoys advancing forward and delivering crosses from wide positions.

Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City): A right-back preferred over Thapelo Morena, which is somewhat surprising, though he is unlikely to start unlessKhuliso Mudauis unavailable due to injury or suspension. The 26-year-old has earned four caps so far.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates): A rising star in South African football who recently secured a transfer from Orlando Pirates to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, joining them after AFCON. A strong centre-back with excellent game reading and a knack for spectacular goals. A guaranteed starter.

Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns): Likely the preferred left-back over Kabini due to his greater international experience. Strong going forward but somewhat vulnerable defensively; originally a winger before switching to defense.

Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns): The primary right-back option and one of the most technically skilled players in the squad. A late bloomer at 30, he made his international debut only a few years ago. Provides attacking width from the full-back position.

Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy): The 21-year-old centre-back was chosen over some more established players but is expected to serve mainly as backup. He has been performing excellently for TS Galaxy and is likely to become a regular starter in the future.

Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest, Romania): An experienced centre-back competing with Nkosinathi Sibisi for a starting role. Tall and strong in aerial duels, the 28-year-old waited patiently for his national team chance and has performed well. He has UEFA club competition experience with Steaua Bucharest in recent seasons.

Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates): A veteran centre-back who partners Mbokazi at club level and may be preferred to start. Coach Broos favors established partnerships. The 30-year-old has been in and out of the national team, which has often featured Sundowns defenders.

Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers, England): Likely included primarily for experience; Smith is viewed as a future Bafana Bafana star. The centre-back was named Player of the Tournament at this year’s African Under-20 Cup of Nations, which led to his move to QPR.

Midfielders

Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns): A physically imposing midfielder; Aubaas lacks finesse but provides strength and relentless energy, crucial depending on the opponent.

Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates): The 25-year-old central midfielder has limited national team appearances but has never failed to deliver, scoring important goals including in the qualifiers for this tournament. Unlikely to start but a strong substitute option.

Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns): A guaranteed starter; the box-to-box midfielder is key to Bafana Bafana’s style and has delivered in many crucial moments. Threatening from set-pieces and known for spectacular goals throughout his career.

Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal): Coach Broos’s favorite, though recently hampered by serious injuries from which he has just recovered. Strong, skillful on the ball, and hardworking, Sithole is expected to start alongside Mokoena.

Forwards

Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates): Once identified as a major talent in his youth but lost his way for a time. Now 24 and in peak form, he has been a valuable source of goals and assists for club and country. Versatile, able to play on both wings or as a number 10 behind the striker.

Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium): An uncapped winger or attacking midfielder selected with an eye to the future; may see playing time if injuries occur. He is gradually breaking into Club Brugge’s first team from the bench and has played in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Lyle Foster (Burnley, England): The main striker choice, Foster is 25 with extensive experience in France, Portugal, Belgium, and now the Premier League. Not a prolific scorer but effective at holding up play and involving teammates with his link-up skills.

Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates): A tall forward likely serving as backup to Foster, less of a goal scorer himself but strong in the air and an excellent link between Bafana Bafana’s quicker attackers.

Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates): Recently forced his way back into the national team after a four-year absence due to injury to Themba Zwane. Strong on the ball with great technique, he occupies the ‘10’ position and appears to have secured that role barring injury.

Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates): Once a promising talent, he has faced a difficult six months losing his place at club and national level, but recent signs suggest he is regaining form. A tricky left-winger who previously trialed with Wolverhampton Wanderers, he can also play as a ‘10’ and is one of the team’s better finishers.

Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia): Recalled to the squad for the first time since March after being dropped, the right-winger has been in good form in Saudi Arabia and earned another opportunity. Tall for a winger, he is direct and a decent scorer.

Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates): A recent addition to the squad, his performances for Orlando Pirates since transferring from AmaZulu made him impossible for Coach Broos to overlook. He contributes goals and assists and is technically skilled. Primarily a left-winger but can also play on the right wing and as a ‘10’.

Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia): A small but outstanding right-winger who has impressed since joining the team, showing pace and scoring ability out wide. Despite his size, the 21-year-old has excellent technical skills and vision. Likely to start ahead of Mokwana.