Bafana Bafana will play Zambia in an international friendly match this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Having qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hugo Broos’ men now turn their attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They host Chipolopolo in Gqeberha looking to keep their unbeaten run intact.

Bafana finished third in last year’s AFCON and look to improve and go further by winning the tournament for the first time since 1996.

Their opponents Zambia, won the tournament in 2012 but have since struggled to be competitive. Saturday’s match will give them an opportunity to gauge their strength against a very good South African side.

What time does Bafana play Zambia?

Kick-off between Bafana and Chipolopolo in Gqeberha is set for 15h00. The match will be live on Sabc 1 and also on SuperSport channels.

A win for South Africa will improve their rankings but anything less will see them drop once again. In September, Broos’ men were ranked 55th but dropped to 59th after their 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualfiers.

How will Bafana lineup against Zambia?

Broos is likely to field a strong side with Ronwen Williams in goals and Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence. Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba will dominate the flanks while Teboho Mokoena will dictate the midfield.

Upfront, the Belgian coach might start with either Evidence Makgopa or Lyle Foster.

Here’s how Bafana can lineup against Zambia: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota and Lyle Foster.