Bafana Bafana face Zambia on Saturday in an international friendly that forms part of both nations’ final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The match takes place at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha and kicks off at 15:00 SAST.
According to the South African Football Association, coach Hugo Broos has emphasised that despite the fixture being a friendly, he expects full focus from his squad.
“Friendly games do not exist,” Broos said, explaining that he wants a competitive performance as he assesses his final options ahead of AFCON selection .
Bafana Bafana come into the clash after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having beaten Rwanda 3-0 last month. The match will be the team’s first outing since that result.
Zambia, meanwhile, are undergoing changes after parting ways with Avram Grant.
New coach Moses Sichone has named a 33-man squad for the fixture, with Leicester City striker Patson Daka among the standout call-ups.
ESPN reports that Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is expected to captain the side in his home city, while Broos continues to evaluate emerging talent ahead of the continental showpiece.
Among the new faces is Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela, who has earned his first national team call-up.
Wingback Relebohile Mofokeng misses out due to limited game time following injury, and centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana is also absent from the squad.
How to watch Bafana Bafana vs Zambia live
The match will be broadcast live on SABC 1 and SABC Plus. Kick-off is at 15:00 SAST.
Head-to-head history
South Africa and Zambia have met 16 times since 2006. Zambia have won seven of those encounters, while South Africa have won four, with the remaining five ending in draws.
Zambia’s last victory came in a COSAFA Cup fixture, while Bafana’s most recent win over Chipolopolo was in a 1-0 friendly in 2018.
Zambia have struggled for form recently, with one win in their last ten matches. South Africa’s recent run includes two wins and three draws in their last five fixtures.
Likely lineups
Based on ESPN’s projected XI:
South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Aubrey Modiba, Thabo Moloisane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau; Masindi Nemtajela, Teboho Mokoena; Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Mohau Nkota; Lyle Foster.
Zambia: Lawrence Mulenga; Lubambo Musonda, Kabaso Chongo, Benson Sakala, Gift Mphande; Kelvin Kapumbu, Obino Chisala, Kelvin Kampamba; Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka, Edward Chilufya .
Bafana Bafana vs Zambia score prediction
Based on current form and squad stability, Bafana Bafana enter as slight favourites.
Zambia’s recent results and coaching transition may affect cohesion. A narrow 2-1 win for South Africa appears likely.
The match serves as Bafana’s final test before their AFCON campaign begins on 23 December against Angola.
