South Africa's Preliminary Squad for 2025 AFCON Announced

Hugo Broos names 54-man preliminary squad for 2025 AFCON

South Africa coach Hugo Broos names 54-player preliminary squad for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

QPR defender Tylon Smith is in the mix, though he's a long shot to make the final 23. The midfield is largely made up of familiar faces...

Hugo Broos, the coach of South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, has announced a 54-player preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco. The squad features a mix of experienced players and new talent, with some interesting additions.

The final squad will consist of 23 players, and Broos will make the selection in the coming days. Bafana Bafana will face Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe in Group B of the tournament, with their first match against Angola on December 22.

Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, and others miss out on the squad, with Zwane likely competing with Patrick Maswanganyi and Sipho Mbule for a spot. Zwane has been a favourite under Broos, but injuries have impacted his recent form.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad.

South Africa 🇿🇦 @10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @SABC_Sport @SAFA_net pic.twitter.com/WhqAbk4Lr7

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 24, 2025

Mamelodi Sundowns centre-backs Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala are also left out, despite being part of the squad in Ivory Coast two years ago. The likes of Thembinkosi Lorch (Wydad Casablanca) and Gift Links (Aarhus) also miss the cut.

QPR defender Tylon Smith is in the mix, though he's a long shot to make the final 23. The midfield is largely made up of familiar faces, with Teboho Mokoena, Luke le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, and Sphephelo Sithole all strong contenders.

The usual suspects dominate the midfield, with no major surprises. The likes of Mokoena and Le Roux are likely to be part of the final squad, given their experience and form.

Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United) are among the outsiders in the squad. Campbell's inclusion is a surprise, while Hlongwane is back in contention.

The usual suspects are also present, including Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appolis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele, and Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates). Other notable inclusions are Mohau Nkota (Saudi Arabia), Iqraam Rayners, and Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol).