South Africa v Angola – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

These COSAFA region rivals faced off in a friendly in July which finished 1-1. Bafana Bafana are 22 matches unbeaten under coach Hugo Broos.

Match: South Africa v Angola
When: Monday, 22 Dec 2025

South Africa Form

Bafana are in very strong form in qualifying matches and senior friendlies. When coach Hugo Broos is at the helm, it’s 22 matches without defeat. In September’s World Cup qualifiers, they beat Lesotho 3-0 and drew 1-1 at home vs Nigeria. A 0-0 draw vs Zimbabwe in November made the final match a must-win.

A fine 3-0 win over Rwanda saw total dominance from South Africa. They’ve since played out friendlies in preparation for this tournament. A 3-1 win over Zambia was followed by a 1-0 win over Ghana’s CHAN squad last week.

South Africa Team News

There are no major injuries going into this tournament. Themba Zwane recovered from fitness issues but did not make the final cut. Percy Tau and Grant Kekana were left out of the squad.

Coach Hugo Broos must decide between Siyabonga Ngezana and Nkosinathi Sibisi is defence. Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha are competing for the final midfield spot.

South Africa Motivation

Motivation is high to start this tournament with a win. A draw is not a disaster, but it puts a lot of pressure on the second match vs Egypt.

An attacking approach is expected. However, they won’t open up too much and risk being caught on the break.

Angola Form

Angola reached this tournament by topping a qualifying group which included Ghana. Their attempts to reach the 2026 World Cup in the USA were unsuccessful. In 10 qualifiers, they won just twice as they paid the cost for six stalemates.

They could only draw 2-2 away to Eswatini, and a 0-0 draw away in Cameroon was not enough. They’ve played three friendlies in recent months. A 2-0 loss to Argentina in Luanda was followed by a 3-2 win over Zambia. They beat Mozambique 4-1 in their European training camp ahead of this tournament.

Angola Team News

Coach Patrice Beaumelle surprisingly left Petro de Luanda winger Gilberto out of his squad. The Orlando Pirates loanee was expected to be a potential starter.

Mabululu will lead the line in preference to Pisa’s M’bala Nzola. Clinton Mata (Lyon), Rui Modeste (Udinese) and David Carmo (Real Oviedo) form a very strong defensive unit.

Angola Motivation

Angola would probably take a draw here. With Zimbabwe in their second match, they would expect to be on four points after two fixtures.

A physical approach is expected, with lots of longer passes and strong tackles.

Key Stats

• South Africa are unbeaten in 22 matches under Hugo Broos
• South Africa have drawn 2 of their last 3 qualifiers (excludes friendlies)
• Angola have drawn their last 2 competitive fixtures
• Angola have seen Both Teams to Score in 4 of their last 6 matches

Verdict

A tight affair awaits. South Africa are favourites but Angola have every chance of pulling out an upset. A draw looks like a good value bet.

Best Bet: Draw at 2.75

Alternate Bet: South Africa win/draw double chance + Both Teams to Score at 2.80