South Africa

Hugo Broos has doubled down on continuity. Expect a controlled, front-foot approach built around leaders in each line. Ronwen Williams’ organisation from the back, Teboho Mokoena dictating tempo and set pieces and a direct threat through Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa.

New call-ups Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa add energy, but the spine has stood the test of time. On home soil, the AFCON bronze medallists will be buoyed by the faithful, squeeze second balls and manage the game state.

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Expect early pressing triggers, overlapping full-backs to pin Zambia wide and late pace from the bench to protect a lead. Confidence from World Cup qualification should sharpen decision-making in key moments.

Zambia

Newly appointed Zambia head coach Moses Sichone named a provisional list that included the regular big hitters without overcomplicating the picture. Expect defensive nous from Stoppila Sunzu/Kabaso Chongo, width and work-rate from Lubambo Musonda, control bursts via Kings Kangwa, and strike power through Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala (with Lameck Banda a live-wire option).

Chipolopolo are compact and counter-minded; they’ll look to spring quickly if South Africa overcommit. Watch for diagonal balls into Daka’s runs, second-phase pressure around Kangwa, and set-piece threat via Sunzu. Zambia will prioritise transitions, game-state control and keeping this tight as an AFCON precursor.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

14/07/23: South Africa 1-2 Zambia
14/07/21: South Africa 0-0 Zambia
11/10/20: South Africa 1-2 Zambia
24/03/18: Zambia 0-2 South Africa
19/08/17: Zambia 2-0 South Africa

Prediction: South Africa Win & Both Teams to Score at 36/10

South Africa’s settled spine, home advantage and superior game control should edge a low-margin fixture. On the other hand, Zambia’s plan is counter-first, but Bafana Bafana’s rest defence and set-piece threat tilt it for me!/