South Africa vs Zambia 2025: Kick-Off Time, TV Channels, H2H, Predictions & Key Players
- Bafana Bafana face Zambia in their final Afcon 2025 warm-up match this Saturday in Gqeberha
- Key players to watch include Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, and Lyle Foster, who could shape the outcome
- Briefly News exclusively spoke to football journalist Brighton Bafana for insights and score predictions
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Bafana Bafana face Zambia on Saturday, 15 November 2025, in their final match before the African Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco this December.
Belgian coach Hugo Broos named his squad last week and will be using this friendly as the ultimate test to fine-tune his 23-man team ahead of Afcon.
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News spoke exclusively with football journalist Brighton Bafana, who shared his insights ahead of South Africa’s crucial preparation match against their Southern African neighbours.
Bafana Bafana’s head to head with Zambia
“South Africa goes into this match with confidence,” Bafana said.
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“After finishing third in the previous Afcon, expectations are high. Broos has been meticulous in his preparations, and this final warm-up against Zambia is vital. Fans can expect a team that is sharp, cohesive, and ready to assert itself on home soil at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.”
The two teams have a mixed record over the past decade:
13/06/2017: South Africa 1 – 2 Zambia
24/03/2018: Zambia 0 – 2 South Africa
11/10/2020: South Africa 1 – 2 Zambia
14/07/2021: South Africa 0 – 0 Zambia
14/07/2023: South Africa 1 – 2 Zambia
“Zambia have often been a tricky opponent,” Bafana explained.
“They push South Africa to the limit, and results like the 2023 Cosafa Cup show they can be unpredictable. But playing in front of a home crowd gives Bafana Bafana a real edge; the energy of thousands of fans will be crucial.”
Recent form highlights:
South Africa: 1–1 Angola, 3–0 Lesotho, 1–1 Nigeria, 0–0 Zimbabwe, 3–0 Rwanda
Zambia: 0–1 Comoros, 3–3 Botswana, 0–2 Morocco, 0–1 Tanzania, 0–1 Niger
“Bafana Bafana have shown consistency in recent matches,” Bafana added.
“The squad is well-drilled and balanced, giving Broos flexibility between attack and defence. Zambia remain competitive but hasn’t maintained the same form throughout 2025.”
Source: Getty Images
Players to watch and score prediction
Teboho Mokoena, who was at the centre of controversy during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with the yellow card incident, is set to make his 50th appearance for Bafana Bafana, joining legends such as Doctor Khumalo, Teko Modise, and Themba Zwane.
“Mokoena will be motivated to mark this milestone with a goal and add to his current nine international goals,” Bafana noted.
Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper, brings experience and composure to the squad.
“Williams’ ability to play as a sweeper-keeper gives Broos flexibility at the back. He’ll be key to organising the defence,” Bafana explained.
Lyle Foster, with Premier League experience at Burnley, is expected to lead the attack.
“He combines physicality with technical skill and will challenge Zambia’s defence throughout the match,” Bafana said.
On the likely outcome, Bafana predicted:
“Given the squad’s quality, home advantage, and recent performances, Bafana Bafana are clear favourites. I expect South Africa to score multiple goals and secure a 3–0 victory a perfect way to set the tone ahead of Afcon 2025.”
Match details:
Kick-off: 15:00, Saturday, 15 November 2025
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
TV: SABC Sport, SuperSport TV
Digital: SABC Plus, DStv Stream
Radio: SABC stations
FIFA President sends a heartfelt message to South Africa
Briefly News previously reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino extended his congratulations, acknowledging South Africa’s return to the international spotlight.
Bafana Bafana’s qualification not only reflects their growth on the pitch under Hugo Broos but also reignites hope and excitement among South African football fans, signalling the start of a new era of national pride and international competition.
Source: Briefly News
