2025 AFCON: Why was Ngezana axed from Bafana Bafana’s squad that played Zambia?

Bafana Bafana played Zambia in an international friendly game that was staged at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

Goals from Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota and Sphephelo Sithole were enough to hand Hugo Broos' men a deserved victory while the Chipolopolo got their consolation courtesy of Joseph Sabobo.

The game is part of the country's preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will be held in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, and later on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In AFCON, Bafana Bafana have been pooled with Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola in Group B.

Where was Ngezana against Zambia?

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana, who is currently contracted to FCSB, was excluded. The centre-back had missed the final two World Cup qualifiers owing to a suspension.

The 73-year-old Belgian coach has now explained why he left the 28-year-old out of his squad.

“There are players who were not here like Ngezana, I didn’t call him up because I wanted to give chances to other players,” he told the media.

“I wanted to see if we can use them for future and for AFCON. So, I think we can be happy with what we saw [in the 3-1 win over Chipolopolo]. We can be confident for what is coming. 

“It will be much more difficult than the game of today but we will be better also in a month,” Broos concluded.

Ngezana is expected to be part of the squad that will represent South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations.