Gqeberha is buzzing with excitement as Bafana Bafana prepares to face Zambia in a highly anticipated international friendly. The match, set to take place at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on November 15th, is a crucial part of coach Hugo Broos' strategy for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Last Chance to Impress Before AFCON
This friendly offers South African football fans a golden opportunity to witness their national team, fresh from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in action on home turf. Beyond the spectacle, the game holds significant importance for the players themselves. Coach Broos intends to use this match to assess newer squad members, giving them a final chance to prove their worth and secure a spot in the final AFCON squad.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm CAT, and the South African Football Association (SAFA) will soon announce ticketing details. Make sure you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
Broos Reveals His Squad
Coach Broos has already named his 23-man squad for the friendly, carefully selecting players with both experience and potential. While familiar faces are present, Broos has hinted that the match will also serve as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.
"Why only one game? It’s because of the overloaded programme in the PSL now. Teams are playing every two days... I would rather have one good game than two and risk fatigue for the players," Broos explained, highlighting the demanding schedule faced by PSL players.
Broos also emphasized the importance of playing an African team in preparation for AFCON. "Why an African team again? I saw some stories in the media about why we are not playing a South American team or whatever. It’s because we are preparing for Afcon now, not the World Cup," he stated.
Bafana's AFCON Ambitions
Following their impressive third-place finish at last year's Nations Cup in Ivory Coast, and with their recent World Cup qualification, Bafana Bafana are considered strong contenders for AFCON in Morocco. This friendly against Zambia is a vital step in their preparation, allowing them to fine-tune their tactics and build team cohesion ahead of the tournament.