Bafana to play World Cup-bound African rival in pre-AFCON friendly

Bafana Bafana have secured a mouth-watering friendly ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Hugo Broos’ men started their AFCON preparations at the Tuks High Performance Centre in Pretoria on Monday and their build-up will involve a friendly match against a West African rival that they know too well.

As per SAFA media, South Africa will clash with Ghana in Gauteng on December 16, one day before they depart for Morocco for the tournament, set to take place between December 21 and January 18.

“Bafana Bafana will face Ghana next week in their final match in South Africa ahead of their departure to this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco,” read a statement from SAFA.

SAFA provides details of Ghana friendly

“Coach Hugo Broos’ charges will host the West Africans in Gauteng on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at a venue that will be announced in the coming days.

“The team will then depart for Morocco on the following day, ahead of their participation in the AFCON tournament to be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 – January 2026. The stage is set for 24 African teams to battle it out in nine venues in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire are the defending champions.

“Bafana Bafana are in Group B in the AFCON, and they will face Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. The South Africans play their first match of the continental tournament against Angola on 22 December 2025.”

How do Bafana and Black Stars compare?

South Africa and Ghana are familiar foes who have faced off 16 times in their history with five wins each for either side while six have ended in draws, their last meeting being in November 2021, when the Black Stars won 1-0 in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Ghana will not be at AFCON 2025 after failing to qualify but booked a ticket to the 2026 World Cup which makes them a good test for Bafana Bafana before the tournament in Morocco.

South Africa are in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. Broos’ charges will begin their campaign on December 22 against the Angolans with the veteran coach having said his target is the semi-final.