South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, is set to take on Egypt in a two-legged clash for a spot in the next round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. Helman Mkhalele, who serves as an assistant to senior national team head coach Hugo Broos, will lead the squad for these crucial fixtures. Mkhalele will be supported by South Africa’s U-20 coach, Raymond Mdaka.

The first leg is scheduled for Friday, 28 February, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with the return fixture set to take place in North Africa on 9 March 2025. The team is set to assemble in Johannesburg on 26 February before heading to Bloemfontein the same day. After the home leg, the squad will return to Johannesburg and remain in camp until departing for Egypt on 6 March.

The winner of this encounter will advance to the second round of CHAN qualifiers, slated for May 2025.The squad boasts some notable names, including Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge captain Aden McCarthy, Orlando Pirates’ Siphamandla Gumede, and a trio from Mamelodi Sundowns—Jody February, Neo Maema, and Terrence Mashego. Also receiving a call-up is Stellenbosch defender Tylon Smith and forward Thulani Mini.

Smith, who has yet to make his senior club debut, was part of the South African team that triumphed in the recent U-20 COSAFA Championships. Mini, on the other hand, is poised to make his first appearance for the national team.Athenkosi Mcaba was initially named in the squad but will miss out due to a thigh injury that has sidelined him for Stellenbosch’s last three matches.

The CHAN tournament is set to take place from 2 to 30 August 2025, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda sharing hosting duties.

Full Bafana Bafana CHAN Squad:

Goalkeepers: Samukelo Xulu, Jody February, Siphamandla Gumede

Defenders: Aden McCarthy, Bilal Baloyi, Yandisa Mfolozi, Tylon Smith, Athenkosi Mcaba, Nduduzo Mhlongo, Terrence Mashego, Bongani Sam

Midfielders: Sammy Seabi, Azola Tshobeni, Neo Maema, Yanga Madiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Monnapule Saleng, Donay Jansen

Attackers: Keletso Sifama, Tendamudzimu Matodzi, Thulani Mini, Jamie Webber

With an exciting mix of youth and experience, Mkhalele’s squad is eager to secure a place in the next round of qualifiers and ultimately compete in the CHAN tournament later this year. South African fans will be hoping for a strong showing from their team as they take on Egypt in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.