Story by AfricaLiveNews
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has finalized his 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming the exclusion of Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon, who was earlier named in the 55-man provisional squad. The announcement, made on Monday, has stirred conversations across both South African and Nigerian football circles, given Okon’s growing reputation and his recent contributions to Bafana Bafana.
The 21-year-old defender, who plies his trade with Hannover in Germany, was widely expected to earn a place in the squad after receiving regular invitations under Broos. His omission has therefore come as a surprise to many analysts and supporters who viewed him as one of the promising talents capable of strengthening South Africa’s defensive setup ahead of the continental competition.
A Rising Talent Left Out
Ime Okon, born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, made headlines in 2023 when he opted to represent South Africa—the country of his birth—despite being eligible for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. His decision was influenced by early career opportunities offered by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and a firm belief that he could develop more consistently in the Bafana setup.
Since making his debut, Okon has earned five caps, delivering solid performances marked by composure, ball control, and tactical discipline. His calm presence at the back helped enhance South Africa’s defensive options, and many anticipated that he would feature prominently in Broos’ long-term plans.
However, competition within the squad has intensified significantly as Broos aims to build a squad capable of bettering South Africa’s impressive third-place finish at AFCON 2023.
Broos’ Selection Strategy
Hugo Broos has repeatedly emphasized the need for balance, experience, and readiness for high-pressure matches when selecting his squad. Although he did not give specific reasons for dropping Okon, several factors may have influenced the decision:
- Strong competition in central defense
Broos has a pool of dependable centre-backs with extensive international experience, many of whom have been consistent in recent qualifying matches and friendlies. - Preference for defensive stability
The Belgian tactician has been focusing on a defensive core that has played together regularly. Continuity is a key pillar of his strategy, especially ahead of a major tournament. - Fitness and form considerations
With AFCON 2025 kicking off just weeks from now, match fitness and form were crucial. Some players who earned final places have had more consistent game time in recent months.
While Okon’s exclusion is disappointing to many fans, Broos’ decisions reflect his determination to field a squad he believes is mentally and tactically prepared for the demanding AFCON campaign.
South Africa’s AFCON 2025 Preparation
Bafana Bafana will open camp on December 8 to begin full preparations for the tournament. Broos is expected to focus on building squad cohesion, sharpness, and tactical discipline—areas that proved key during South Africa’s strong showing at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Team preparations will include:
- Fitness assessments
- Tactical simulations focusing on transitions, pressing structures, and defensive shape
- Set-piece rehearsals, an area that has been crucial for South Africa in recent tournaments
- Warm-up friendlies to fine-tune the starting XI
Broos has repeatedly stressed the importance of early preparation, insisting that teams who take advantage of strong pre-tournament training often stand out during competition.
AFCON 2025: South Africa’s Group B Battle
South Africa will compete in Group B, one of the tournament’s toughest groupings, featuring Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. The fixtures provide a challenging path for Bafana Bafana as they aim to replicate or surpass their previous AFCON successes.
South Africa’s Group B Fixtures
- Bafana Bafana vs Angola – 22 December
Angola has been steadily improving and remains unpredictable. South Africa will need a disciplined tactical approach to secure a winning start. - Bafana Bafana vs Egypt – 26 December
Egypt, the record AFCON champions, present the most formidable challenge in the group. This match will test South Africa’s defensive strength and creativity in attack. - Bafana Bafana vs Zimbabwe – 29 December
A regional rivalry match that is always competitive, regardless of form. Zimbabwe’s physical and aggressive style requires composure and precision from Bafana Bafana.
Navigating this group successfully will demand consistency, sharpness, and mental toughness from Broos’ team.
What This Means for Ime Okon’s Future
Despite missing out on the final squad, Okon remains one of South Africa’s brightest long-term prospects. At just 21, he has years ahead to cement his place in the national setup. His experience in Germany’s competitive football environment provides a strong foundation for growth.
Football analysts believe:
- Okon’s exclusion does not signify the end of his national career.
- He will likely play a critical role in World Cup qualifiers and future AFCON campaigns.
- Consistent performance at Hannover could elevate him to the top of Broos’ future selections.
For now, Okon will return to club duties, aiming to maintain his form and readiness for future call-ups.
Broos’ Clear Message Ahead of AFCON 2025
The exclusion of talented players such as Okon underscores Broos’ message: only the most prepared, consistent, and tactically aligned players will make the final squad.
His decisions reflect:
- A commitment to fielding a squad capable of challenging the continent’s best
- An insistence on discipline and work rate
- A belief that South Africa can compete at the highest level if the right structures are in place
As AFCON 2025 approaches, expectations are high, and fans hope the team will deliver another inspiring performance on the continental stage.
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