Group B at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations brings together four nations whose trajectories reflect contrasting histories and shifting competitive momentum.
Egypt enter AFCON 2025 as perennial contenders with unmatched continental pedigree, while Bafana Bafana arrive buoyed by renewed stability and recent qualification success.
Angola look to convert strong qualifying form into deeper tournament impact, and Zimbabwe seek to overturn a long-standing pattern of early exits despite notable individual talent.
Across the history of African football, no team has accumulated a legacy as substantial as Egypt’s. The North African giants remain the most decorated nation at AFCON, having secured seven titles—the highest total to date.
They also hold records for the most tournament appearances (27) and the most finals reached (nine). However, their last championship success came in 2010, creating a 15-year gap that increasingly feels disproportionate to the calibre of talent available, including figures such as Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet.”
Guided by head coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt enter the tournament as favourites to advance from the group, yet they carry the burden of expectation that naturally accompanies a team with their historical footprint.
Bafana Bafana arrive with markedly different momentum. Their third-place finish under Staurt Baxter at the previous AFCON surprised many observers and marked a significant turnaround following several years of underperformance.
Under the leadership of Hugo Broos, the squad has undergone a structured rebuild, yielding renewed confidence and a more coherent competitive identity. Their recent qualification for the FIFA World Cup—their first since 2010, has further strengthened perceptions of resurgence.
Since winning the continental title on debut in 1996, South Africa’s AFCON history has oscillated between early successes and extended periods of inconsistency, but they now enter their 12th tournament as credible contenders. Key players such as captain Ronwen Williams, midfield anchor Teboho Mokoena and a growing cohort of young talents (Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi) underpin that optimism.
Angola, meanwhile, progressed through qualifying unbeaten and topped a group that included Ghana, Sudan and Niger—an outcome highlighted by their 1–0 victory over the Black Stars in Kumasi.
Former French international Patrice Beaumelle recently stepped into the role previously held by Pedro Gonçalves, inheriting a squad that is tactically balanced but faces the significant challenge of competing directly with Egypt and South Africa in the group stage.
Angola have yet to win the continental title, though they have reached the quarterfinals three times—in 2008, 2010 and 2023. With Crisnaldo “Crisan” Mabulo leading the attack, captain Freddy stabilising the midfield, and veteran defender Bastos organising the back line, the team possesses enough structure to disrupt higher-profile opponents.
Zimbabwe complete the group with a history that contrasts sharply with their regional success in COSAFA competition. Despite winning the COSAFA Cup six times, the Warriors have never progressed beyond the AFCON group stage, finishing bottom in all five of their prior appearances.
Preparations for this edition have been hindered by a late coaching change, with Michael Ncube dismissed two months before the tournament following a poor World Cup qualifying campaign. Nonetheless, their recent draw against South Africa demonstrates the team’s capacity to challenge stronger opponents.
With players such as Wolverhampton defender Marshall Munetsi and Udinese fullback Jordan Zemura, Zimbabwe possess individual quality that could enable them to disrupt the group’s expected hierarchy.
Group B begins on 22 December, with Zimbabwe aiming to deliver an early shock against Egypt. The highly anticipated fixture between Egypt and South Africa—viewed by many as the group’s decisive encounter—will take place on 26 December.
Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
