Oswin Appollis will be key as Bafana Bafana aim to go one better than their bronze finish in 2023. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Group B at AFCON 2025 promises a fascinating mix of experience, ambition and unpredictability. Egypt arrive as the clear favourites, boasting a record seven continental titles and a squad packed with seasoned internationals.
South Africa, fresh from a bronze medal in 2023, aim to build on their momentum under coach Hugo Broos and challenge the Pharaohs for top spot. Angola and Zimbabwe, the group’s underdogs, have the potential to spring surprises with their resilience and team unity, making this a tightly contested pool where anything can happen.
CAF Ranking: Third
Head coach: Hossam Hassan
Player to watch: Mohamed Salah
Best AFCON performance: Winners (7 titles – 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010)
Predicted finish: Quarter-finals
Egypt remain the standard-bearers, not only in Group B, but on the continent. As Africa’s most decorated national side, they bring experience, pedigree and a tradition of tournament composure.
Under head coach Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs will aim to rediscover clinical edge up-front and defensive stability at the back. Their blend of seasoned internationals and technically gifted midfielders offers tactical flexibility.
As group favourites, Egypt will seek to open strongly and build momentum, though past inconsistencies mean they cannot underestimate spirited challengers like South Africa, Angola or Zimbabwe. Qualification for the knockout rounds remains their primary target.
CAF Ranking: 11th
Head coach: Hugo Broos
Player to watch: Oswin Appollis
Best AFCON performance: Winners (1996)
Predicted finish: Winners
From bronze medallists in AFCON 2023 to renewed continental ambition, South Africa enter Group B with momentum and belief.
Led by coach Hugo Broos, Bafana combine tactical discipline with pace and creativity on the break. Their squad blends experienced domestic and overseas players, with recent form showing a team comfortable under pressure.
Opening against Angola on December 22 offers an early chance to set the tone. While Egypt are group favourites, Broos believes South Africa have the depth and spirit to challenge, with a realistic target of progressing to the knockout stage and a deeper run if mental toughness holds.
CAF Ranking: 18th
Head coach: Patrice Beaumelle
Player to watch: Joao Milson
Best AFCON performance: Quarter-finals
Predicted finish: Group stages
Angola arrive as one of Group B’s dark horses, a team built on strength, resilience and growing chemistry.
Their qualifying campaign was marked by solid defensive organisation and effective transitions, with key attacking threat from forwards such as Mabululu. In midfield, players like Fredy Ribeiro provide protection and control.
Although they lack Egypt’s experience or South Africa’s star power, Angola’s unity and unpredictability make them dangerous. A top-two finish or a shock result is possible if they manage games tightly.
CAF Ranking: 36th
Head coach: Marian Marinica
Player to watch: Tawanda Chirewa
Best AFCON performance: Group stages
Predicted finish: Group stages
Zimbabwe enter Group B as underdogs, but with collective spirit and hunger to prove themselves. Known as the Warriors, they qualified by finishing second in their group behind Cameroon — an underappreciated achievement showing grit and organisation.
Their squad blends experienced campaigners with younger talent eager to make a mark. As outsiders, Zimbabwe can play without expectation, making them dangerous in matches when opponents underestimate them. A strong defensive structure and opportunistic attack could yield surprises, though qualification will be tough.