Ivory Coast legend and former Chelsea star Salomon Kalou believes that South Africa’s Bafana Bafana could emerge as the surprise team at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, scheduled to take place between December 2025 and January 2026.
The 2015 AFCON winner with the Ivory Coast, who now serves as a CAF Ambassador, praised South Africa’s recent progress in international football, describing them as a nation steadily returning to their former glory. Kalou expressed confidence that the Bafana Bafana have what it takes to go deep into the competition — and possibly challenge for the title.
“I think South Africa is coming back — they are doing very well. They have qualified for the World Cup, and the Bafana Bafana are returning to the level they usually showed us,” Kalou said.
“Football in South Africa is big, with strong clubs, structured leagues, and impressive youth programs. It’s very difficult to predict who will win AFCON because there are no small teams anymore, but I believe South Africa can surprise everyone.”
South Africa have been drawn in Group B, where they will face record seven-time champions Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe in what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. Their opening fixture against Egypt on December 26, 2025, is expected to be a major test of their credentials.
Kalou, who enjoyed a successful club career with Chelsea, Lille, and Hertha Berlin, noted that South Africa’s steady investment in grassroots football and youth academies is beginning to bear fruit. He emphasized that long-term development through domestic leagues and structured youth programs is the foundation of sustained footballing success.
“With youth leagues and academies, that’s how you develop local football,” Kalou added. “South Africa is doing very well in that regard, and I won’t be surprised to see them go far in this AFCON. In the last edition, they performed impressively in Ivory Coast, and now I would be putting my money on them — they can be the surprise package.”
Kalou’s remarks come at a time when African football is witnessing a resurgence of competitive balance, with several teams improving their infrastructure, coaching, and tactical approaches. The former Chelsea forward highlighted that the traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Morocco remain strong contenders but warned that the gap between big and small teams has significantly narrowed.
“There are no more small teams in Africa,” he explained. “The level of competition has risen everywhere. Countries like South Africa have shown that with the right planning and investment in local talent, you can compete with the best.”
Under head coach Hugo Broos, South Africa has enjoyed renewed form and consistency, building on their bronze-medal finish at the previous AFCON. The Belgian tactician has revitalized the squad with a blend of experienced players and young talents from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), creating a team that many now view as a legitimate threat on the continental stage.
The Bafana Bafana’s qualification for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and AFCON 2025 has further boosted morale among fans and players alike. Analysts have praised Broos’s emphasis on discipline, tactical organization, and collective effort — qualities that were evident in their recent performances.
South Africa’s rise in form has also been reflected in their improved FIFA rankings and strong displays in World Cup qualifiers. The nation’s football development strategy, which focuses on nurturing homegrown players through domestic competitions, has positioned the country as one of Africa’s most promising football forces.
Kalou, who faced South Africa during his playing days, said he remains impressed by the nation’s football culture and infrastructure. He believes their league’s competitiveness and professional standards give them an edge heading into the tournament.
“The Premier Soccer League in South Africa is one of the most organized in Africa. The fans are passionate, the facilities are top class, and the players are technically very good. When you have that foundation, success at the international level becomes achievable,” he stated.
The Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is expected to feature a strong lineup of teams, including defending champions Ivory Coast, hosts Morocco, and perennial contenders Senegal and Egypt. Despite the tough competition, Kalou’s prediction has added intrigue to South Africa’s campaign, as they look to replicate — or even surpass — their performance in the last tournament.
Bafana Bafana’s journey to reclaim continental glory continues to inspire optimism across South Africa. Fans and football experts believe that the team’s current momentum could propel them to their best AFCON performance since winning the title in 1996.
With the tournament just months away, the focus now turns to final preparations, squad selection, and friendly matches that will test the team’s readiness. South Africa’s blend of youth, experience, and tactical discipline could indeed make them one of the most exciting sides to watch in Morocco.
As anticipation builds across the continent, Solomon Kalou’s words serve as both encouragement and a reminder of South Africa’s growing potential. In a competition known for upsets and unforgettable moments, the Bafana Bafana will be looking to make history once again — this time, as the dark horses turned champions of Africa.
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