Soccer
South Africa vs Zambia Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: November 14, 2025 Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Kickoff Time: 15:00 As preparations for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco, FIFA World Cup-bound Bafana Bafana will come together to face Zambia in a friendly match. Bafana Bafana have been drawn to Group B alongside African powerhouse Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Zambia or also known as “Chipolopolo,” is up against 2022 World Cup semi-finalists and hosts Morocco, Comoros, as well as Mali in Group A. Despite this being a friendly match, it still holds significant value in terms of fine-tuning ahead of another highly anticipated AFCON.
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South Africa players/Getty Images
With high expectations for coach Hugo Broos and this current crop of Bafana Bafana players, South African fans have been showing up in their numbers to show support, and this fixture will be no different as they host Zambia in Gqeberha at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Friday, 14 November 2025. Ready to turn your football knowledge into winnings? Check out South African soccer betting sites to place your bet.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME (SOUTH AFRICA): 6/10 (1.60)
DRAW: 3/1 (4.00)
AWAY (ZAMBIA): 5/1 (6.00)
Odds courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
14/07/2023: South Africa 1-2 Zambia
14/07/2021: South Africa 0-0 Zambia
11/10/2020: South Africa 1-2 Zambia
24/03/2018: Zambia 0-2 South Africa
19/08/2017: Zambia 2-0 South Africa
South Africa Current Form – WDDWW
What the Belgian coach Hugo Broos has done with Bafana Bafana since occupying the hot seat is absolutely incredible. The 73-year-old has done over and above what many have failed to do in the past while maintaining the flair and culture of South African football. He has assembled a team with seasoned professionals, mixed with exciting young talent, in an environment that has allowed them to not only elevate their game but also flourish as a collective.
Ahead of this friendly match-up, Broos and his men have put together an unbeaten streak of five games. This run has seen Bafana Bafana defeat Lesotho, Benin, and Rwanda while sharing the points with Zimbabwe as well as Nigeria on the way to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The confidence and togetherness instilled in this South African national team is commendable, thanks to the great work Broos and his backroom staff have done.
Key Players To Watch
- Oswin Appollis: Appollis is one of the key figures in Broos’ setup who has played a major role in Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. He has many attributes in his game that make him a constant threat in attack. His creativity and pace allow him to provide scoring opportunities while having the composure to find the back of the net himself.
- Khuliso Mudau: Mudau is not only one of the best defenders in the right back position, but he also provides quality in attack. His speed enables him to close down space and win one-on-one battles while having the skill to play out from the back and initiate attacks. He can change a game in quick transitions and always creates scoring opportunities.
- Ronwen Williams (GK): Williams is the shot stopper and captain who continues to shine on the international stage. Having the composure to play out from the back, even when under pressure, is no problem and has impeccable distribution. His commanding figure brings a sense of security to his team and often stands tall when called upon.
South Africa Team News
Themba Zwane is still in the recovery room, going through his rehab phase and pushing to make a strong comeback. Relebohile Mofokeng has made a return from his injury and could be called up for this fixture. Mothobi Mvala had to undergo surgery on a knee injury and is ruled out for the rest of the season.
Zambia Form – LWLLL
Zambia, unfortunately, finds itself in a difficult position and is in search of a new manager after parting ways with Avram Grant, due to a poor 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Chipolopolo have endured a period of inconsistency and underperforming at times, needing time as well as patience to restore the team’s former glory as they navigate their way through this rebuilding phase. Ahead of competing at AFCON, the objective should not only focus on winning the tournament but also on laying a solid foundation for a strong competitive national team for years to come.
Preparing to face Bafana Bafana on the back of four defeats and a single victory across the last five matches could prove to be a difficult task for the 2011/12 AFCON champions. A home defeat against Niger, a victory away to Tanzania, and three consecutive defeats to Morocco, Kenya, and Angola sum up the underwhelming run they have experienced. However, with their rich history and the quality of players they have at their disposal, the Zambians will be determined and out to prove a point.
Key Players To Watch
- Lubambo Musonda: Musonda, who plies his trade in the German Bundesliga second division, is the captain and leader of his team. His experience helps him in both performing his defensive duties and guiding his teammates. At 30 years old, Musonda is a physical defender who often never backs down from a challenge and provides quality in attack.
- Fashion Sakala: Sakala brings a wealth of experience to the national team and is an outstanding footballer. His incredible speed is one of his main attributes and is almost unstoppable when running down the wing to either create scoring opportunities on quick transitions or eliminate defenders with skill to find the back of the net himself.
- Patson Daka: Daka has shown himself to be a clinical goal scorer when given the space and time to perform. He has a touch of everything to his game, which makes him a constant threat to defenders. His pace allows him to make intelligent runs, he can receive the ball from deep and link up play, take defenders on in one-on-one situations, and has an eye for goal.
Zambia Team News
Zambia comes into this friendly in full health, other than Edward Chilufya, who suffered a knee injury against Niger during their World Cup qualifying match.
Predicted Line-Up
South Africa: 4-2-3-1
R. Williams, K. Mudau, N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi, A. Modiba, T. Mbatha, B. Aubaas, S. Mbule, T. Moremi, O. Appollis, E. MakgopaZambia: 4-5-1
L. Mulenga, G. Maphande, B. Sakala, K. Chongo, L. Musonda, L. Banda, K. Musonda, K. Kapumbu, K. Kangwa, F. Sakala, P. Daka
Suggested Bets
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Both Teams To Score: Both teams could try different tactics and player personnel due to this being a friendly, which will provide scoring opportunities. (13/20 with Betway)
Under 2.5 Goals: Previous encounters have shown low-scoring games, and this friendly will potentially be the same. (11/10 with Supabets)
Double Chance – South Africa Win/Draw: Bafana Bafana will be cautious in their approach as Zambia are no pushovers by any stretch of the imagination. (1/5 with 10Bet)
Value Bets
This match presents a perfect chance for online betting fans to apply their strategy and maximise their winning potential.
Oswin Appollis – Anytime Goal Scorer: Appollis has been a standout performer for club and country and shows a keen eye for goal. (13/10 with SupaBets)
First Team To Score – Zambia: Zambia has quality players in their attack with plenty of pace to burn, which could surprise the home team. (16/10 with Betfred)
Winning Margin – South Africa By 1: Bafana Bafana have the luxury of playing at home, giving them the edge to come away victorious. with Betway. (11/10 with Hollywoodbets)
Prediction: South Africa to Win
Despite this being a friendly match, both teams will want to walk away with the victory as they complete their final preparations for next month’s AFCON. That said, Bafana Bafana have been in great form and will have enough to secure the victory in front of their home fans as they aim to maintain their momentum before travelling to Morocco.
Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.
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