Solomon Kalou tips South Africa to spring a surprise at AFCON 2025

Ivory Coast legend Solomon Kalou believes South Africa could emerge as one of the surprise packages at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Bafana Bafana, who finished third in the last edition, have been drawn in Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their opening match will be against Egypt on December 26, 2025.

“I think South Africa is coming back. They are doing very well. They have qualified for the World Cup; the Bafana Bafana are coming back to the level they used to show us. Football here is big as well, with big clubs, strong youth programs, and academies,” said Kalou, who now serves as a CAF ambassador.

The former Chelsea forward noted that predicting the AFCON winner has become increasingly difficult given the improved competitiveness across the continent.

“It’s very difficult to say who will win AFCON. There are no small teams anymore, but the big countries like Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and Morocco remain strong, and there are always surprises,” he said.

Kalou praised South Africa’s football development and consistency, adding that their recent progress makes them genuine contenders.

“With these youth leagues and academies, you develop your local football. South Africa is doing very well, and I won’t be surprised to see them go far. They were the surprise team in Ivory Coast, and I’d put my money on them again; they can be the surprise package.”

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