Sure975fm.com is taking a closer look at the four teams in the group, checking out their past performances in AFCON and giving a rundown of each squad.
AFCON 2025 Preview: Egypt, South Africa, Angola & Zimbabwe in Group B
Written by Abidoye Babatunde Blackcoin on 19 — 12
Group B at AFCON 2025 features a blend of experience and unpredictability. Egypt, with their seven continental titles, are favorites. South Africa, coming off a bronze in 2023 and led by coach Hugo Broos, aim to challenge Egypt. Meanwhile, underdogs Angola and Zimbabwe could surprise with their resilience, making this group highly competitive.
EGYPT
Nickname: The Pharaohs
AFCON History
Egypt is the most successful nation in AFCON history, winning the tournament seven times (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010). They have also been runners-up three times and reached the semi-finals multiple times. Known for their dominance from 2006 to 2010, Egypt is one of Africa’s most respected football nations.
AFCON Record
Egypt has the most impressive AFCON record, with seven titles from 25 appearances. They have reached the final 10 times, finishing as runners-up three times, and consistently advanced to the knockout stages. Notably, they are the only nation to win AFCON three times in a row (2006, 2008, 2010), showcasing their dominance in African football.
Star Player: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Egypt full squad
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy (Al Ahly, Egypt), Ahmed El-Shenawy (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly, Egypt), Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek, Egypt)
Defenders: Rami Rabia (Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates), Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly, Egypt), Yasser Brahim (Al Ahly, Egypt), Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry, Egypt), Ahmed Eid (Al Masry, Egypt), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek, Egypt), Mohamed Ismail (Zamalek, Egypt), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek, Egypt), Mohamed Hamdy (Al Ahly, Egypt)
Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly, Egypt), Hamdy Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek, Egypt), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly, Egypt), Ahmed Sayed Zizo (Al Ahly, Egypt), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly, Egypt), Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, United Arab Emirates), Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids FC, Egypt)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City, England), Mostafa Mohamed (FC Nantes, France), Salah Mohsen (Al Masry, Egypt), Osama Faisal (Bank El Ahly, Egypt )
Coach: Hossam Hassan
SOUTH AFRICA
Nickname: Bafana Bafana
AFCON History
South Africa debuted in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, winning the tournament on home soil. They finished as runners-up in 1998 and third in 2000, marking their peak period. Although they have missed some recent editions, their 1996 title keeps them respected in the tournament’s history.
AFCON Record
South Africa have won the Africa Cup of Nations once, lifting the trophy in 1996 on home soil. Their best AFCON run also includes a runners-up finish in 1998 and a third-place finish in 2000. Although they have struggled for consistency in later editions, Bafana Bafana’s 1996 triumph remains the highlight of their AFCON record.
Star Player: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
South Africa full squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele, South Africa), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City, South Africa), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers, England), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Khulamani Ndamane (TS Galaxy, South Africa), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns, South AFrica), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia), Shandre Campbell (Club Bruges, Belgium), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Coach: Hugo Broos
ANGOLA
Nickname: Palancas Negras (Black Sable antelopes)
AFCON History
Angola debuted in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and has been a regular participant. Their best performances were reaching the quarter-finals in 2008 and advancing from the group stage as hosts in 2010. While they have never won the tournament, the Palancas Negras are recognized for their competitive spirit.
AFCON Record
Angola has not won the Africa Cup of Nations, with their best results being quarter-final finishes in 2008 and 2010. They have reached the knockout stages multiple times but often exit early. Despite this, Angola remains a regular participant with a competitive reputation.
Star Player: Gelson Dala (Al-Wakrah), Mbala Zola (Pisa)
Angola full squad
Goalkeepers: Neblu (Primeiro de Agosto, Angola), Hugo Marques (Petro de Luanda, Angola), Signori Antonio (Etoile Carouge, Switzerland)
Defenders: Rui Modesto (Udinese, Italy), Eddie Afonso (Petro de Luanda, Angola), To Carneiro (FAR Rabat, Morocco), Nurio Fortuna (Volos,Greece), Pedro Bondo (Famalicao, Portugal), David Carmo (Real Oviedo, Spain), Jonathan Buatu (Gil Vicente, Portugal), Kilandola Gaspar (Lecce, Italy), Clinton Mata (Olympique Lyonnais, France)
Midfielders: Beni Mukendi (Guimaraes, Portugal), Show (Kocaelispor, Turkey), Fredy (Bodrumspor, Turkey), Maestro (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Kelliano (Akhmat Grozny, Russia), Mario Balburdia (Boluspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari, Italy), Manuel Benson (Swansea City, England), Milson (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Chico Banza (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Gelson Dala (Al-Wakrah, Qatar), Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano, Spain), Ary Papel (Al-Akhdar SC, Libya), Mabulu (Al-Ahli Tripoli SC, Libya), Mbala Zola (Pisa, Italy), Zine Salvador (AEK, Greece)
Coach: Patrice Beaumelle
ZIMBABWE
Nickname: The Warriors
AFCON History
Zimbabwe debuted in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 and has qualified for several editions through strong campaigns. However, the Warriors have never advanced beyond the group stage. Despite limited success in the tournament, they remain competitive in AFCON qualifiers and aim for a breakthrough at the finals.
AFCON Record
Zimbabwe has not reached the knockout stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, having qualified in 2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, and 2021 but exited at the group stage each time. Despite their challenges, the Warriors remain consistent AFCON qualifiers, striving for their first major breakthrough.
Star Player: Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
Zimbabwe full squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants, South Africa), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi, South Africa), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC, Zimbabwe)
Defenders: Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC, Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC, Zimbabwe), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC, Libya), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora FC, Zimbabwe), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle, England), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati, USA), Alec Mudimu (Flint Town United, United Kingdom), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town, England), Jonah Fabisch (Erzegebirg Aue, Germany), Andrew Rinohmhota (Reading, England), Prosper Padera (SJK Seina Joki, Finland), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC, Zimbabwe)
Forwards: Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Ishmael Wadi (CAPS United, Zimbabwe), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell, Scotland), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants, Zimbabwe ), Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania), Washington Navaya (TelOne, Zimbabwe), Macauley Bonne (Maldon & Tiptree, England), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy, SOuth Africa), Tadiwanasche Chakuchichi (Scottland FC, Zimbabwe)
Coach: Marian (Mario) Marinică
