Bafana Bafana is gearing up for an exhilarating ride in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), and fans can’t wait to see them in action.
UPDATE: Bafana Bafana’s journey at AFCON 2023 ended with a defeat against Nigeria. See the updated fixture list below.
Bafana Bafana gear up to make a statement at 2023 AFCON
The team, led by Hugo Broos, is poised to make their mark in this prestigious continental competition. Their journey begins with a challenging lineup in Group E, where every match is a step towards African football glory.
The tournament’s whistle blows for South Africa on Tuesday, 16 January 2024, with a night clash against Mali at 20:00. This opening match is more than just a starter; it’s a statement game for Bafana Bafana, setting the tone for their campaign.
Next, they take on Namibia on Sunday, 21 January 2023, also at 20:00. The encounter with Namibia is a chance for South Africa to showcase their regional prowess and potentially secure crucial points early in the tournament.
Wrapping up their group stage, Bafana Bafana faces a formidable opponent in Tunisia on Wednesday, 24 January 2024, at 17:00. This match is more than just a group stage finale; it’s a battle against one of Africa’s top-ranked teams, Tunisia, who stand third in Africa and 28th globally.
Meanwhile, Mali and Namibia are ranked 9th (51st in the world) and 27th in Africa (115th globally), respectively.
Bafana Bafana fixture list at 2023 AFCON
PLEASE NOTE: The fixture list noted below is subject to change at no prior notice. In the event that Bafana Bafana progress past the group stage, the article will be updated with more fixture schedules.
Here’s the complete fixture list for Bafana Bafana in the 2023 AFCON:
- Tuesday, 16 January 2024: Bafana Bafana vs Mali, 20:00 (SA time).
- Sunday, 21 January 2024: Bafana Bafana vs Namibia, 20:00 (SA time).
- Wednesday, 24 January 2024: Bafana Bafana vs Tunisia, 17:00 (SA time).
- Tuesday, 30 January 2024: Morocco vs Bafana Bafana, 22:00 (SA time).
- Saturday, 3 February 2024: Cape Verde vs Bafana Bafana, 22:00 (SA time).
- Wednesday, 7 February 2024: Nigeria vs Bafana Bafana, 19:00 (SA time).
- Saturday, 10 February 2024: Bafana Bafana vs Ivory Coast/DR Congo, 22:00 (SA time).
What is South Africa’s record in the AFCON?
The 2023 AFCON, hosted in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February 2024, promises excitement and fierce competition. The Ivorian cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro will witness the continent’s best footballing nations vying for glory.
In this edition, the top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed finishers, will advance to the Round of 16. This format opens up a plethora of possibilities for each team, including Bafana Bafana, who are ranked 12th in Africa and 66th in the world.
Bafana Bafana’s historical record in AFCON reveals a team with a mixed bag of results. South Africa has participated in the competition ten times, making this their 11th appearance.
Their crowning moment came in 1996 when they hosted and won the tournament. Since then, they have played a total of 42 matches in AFCON, with a balanced record of 16 wins, 13 draws, and 13 losses.
They have scored 48 goals in these matches, led by their highest tournament scorer, Benni McCarthy, with seven goals. Their last significant run in the tournament was in 2019 in Egypt, where they reached the last eight but were knocked out by Nigeria.
As Bafana Bafana steps onto the pitch in Ivory Coast, fans and football enthusiasts will be eager to see if they can recreate the magic of 1996 or even surpass it. With a blend of skill, strategy, and national pride, the team is set to embark on a journey that could redefine their place in African football.