AFCON 2025: Why Bafana Bafana and Senegal Will Watch Group F Finale with Intense Interest

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AFCON 2025: Why Bafana Bafana and Senegal Will Watch Group F Finale with Intense Interest

As the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 moves toward the knockout stage, two of Africa’s biggest football nations, South Africa and Senegal, are watching Group F with intense interest.

Tonight’s results will not only decide who finishes top of the group but also determine the next opponents for Bafana Bafana and the tournament favorites, Senegal.

For South Africa, the equation is clear: Hugo Broos’ men will face the team that finishes second in Group F. For Senegal, the third-placed side will be their opponent in the Round of 16, a clash that comes with added intrigue after the Lions of Teranga lost captain Kalidou Coulibaly to suspension following his red card in the group stage.

Cameroon vs Mozambique

The spotlight falls on Agadir, where Cameroon and Mozambique meet in a match that promises ambition rather than survival. Both teams have already secured qualification, but the stakes remain high. Cameroon, unbeaten so far, have grown in confidence under coach David Pagou.

A disciplined draw against defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and a victory over Gabon have showcased a youthful squad blending energy with tactical maturity. A win tonight could even propel them to the top of the group if Côte d’Ivoire falter in Marrakech.

Mozambique, meanwhile, are writing a fairy tale of their own. Their thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon last Sunday was their first-ever AFCON victory, and qualification for the knockout stages marks another historic milestone.

Coach Chiquinho Conde has promised an attacking approach against Cameroon, knowing that victory would secure second place and set up a historic showdown with Bafana Bafana. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with three goals conceded in two matches.

Côte d’Ivoire vs Gabon

In Marrakech, Côte d’Ivoire face Gabon in a match with contrasting narratives. The Elephants need three points to confirm first place and avoid a tricky Round of 16 draw, while Gabon, already eliminated, will play for pride.

Any slip from Côte d’Ivoire could open the door for Cameroon to finish top, pushing Mozambique into second and setting up a fascinating clash with South Africa.

For Senegal, the stakes are equally significant. Aliou Cissé’s side will meet the team finishing third in Group F, and while they remain favorites, the absence of Coulibaly adds a layer of uncertainty.

A third-placed Cameroon would present a physical, disciplined challenge, while Mozambique’s fearless attacking style could test Senegal’s defensive reshuffle.

By the final whistle tonight, both Bafana Bafana and Senegal will know their opponents and the road ahead in Morocco. Two giants of African football, two very different paths, and one decisive evening in Group F.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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