South Africa vs Zambia Predictions & Tips - Draw backed in AFCON warm-up match
South Africa and Zambia are set to face off in a friendly match, acting as a warm-up for the upcoming African Cup of Nations. South Africa enters the game on a strong note, having topped their World Cup qualifying group and remaining unbeaten in nine matches. Meanwhile, Zambia, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, hope to improve their form after recent losses. Historically, Zambia has had an edge over South Africa in their last five encounters. The game is expected to end in a 1-1 draw, serving as vital preparation for both squads as they test different combinations.
- South Africa is unbeaten in their last 9 matches.
- Zambia won 3 of the last 5 head-to-head encounters.
- Match expected to end in a 1-1 draw, serving as AFCON preparation.
South Africa vs Zambia Preview
This is simply a warmup fixture for AFCON in December so both teams will be trying a few different combinations. Bafana Bafana are favourites but Zambia are backed to get a draw in the Rainbow Nation.
- South Africa are unbeaten in their last 9 matches.
- South Africa topped their World Cup qualifying group.
- Zambia have lost 2 of their last 3 matches to nil.
Head to Head
Over their last five matches, Zambia have won three, lost one and drawn one against South Africa. In the 2023 COSAFA Cup, Zambia beat South Africa 2-1.
South Africa Form
South Africa are probably the most improved African side over the last five years. While they are still considered a giant on the African continent, Bafana Bafana have endured some lean years over the last decade.
In October, South Africa confirmed their spot at the FIFA World Cup next year by topping Group C despite having three points docked from them. They ended with five wins, three draws and two defeats in their 10 matches.
With the African Cup of Nations looming large in December, Bafana Bafana will be using this game as part of their preparation for that tournament.
South Africa were unbeaten in their last four World Cup qualifiers, beating Lesotho 3-0 and Rwanda 3-0 on the final day. In between those results, Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 against Nigeria and 0-0 against Zimbabwe.
South Africa Squad
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thabo Moloisane, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi
Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Masindi Nemtajela, Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Keletso Makgalwa, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota
Zambia Form
Zambia failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, ending their qualifying campaign with just nine points. In their eight games, they won three and lost five, conceding and scoring 10 goals.
They played three qualifiers in September and October 2025, winning one and losing two. Zambia lost 2-0 away to Morocco, beat Tanzania 1-0 away and lost 1-0 at home to Niger.
Zambia Squad
Goalkeeprs: Mangani Banda, Francis Mwansa, Charles Kalumba, Willard Mwanza
Defenders: Owen Mwamba, Stoppilla Sunzu, Yoram Chanda, Killian Kanguluma, Aaron Musonda, Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande, Benson Sakala, Mathews Banda, Obinno Chisala, Lubambo Musonda, David Hamansenya
Midfielders: Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia, Given Kalusa, Solomon Mpasela, Kelvin Mwanza, Miguel Chaiwa, Humphrey Bweembya, Kings Kangwa, Gift Siame, Wilson Chisala, Kelvin Kampamba, David Simukonda, Joseph Liteta
Forwards: Lameck Banda, Joseph Sabobo Banda, Rickson Ng’ambi, Fashion Sakala, Pascal Phiri, Albert Kangwanda, Patson Daka, Kennedy Musonda, Kingston Mutandwa, Elia Mandanji, Andrew Phiri
Verdict
South Africa and Zambia are backed to draw 1-1 in this friendly.
Draw
Result
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1-1 Draw
Correct Score
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Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.
He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side.
Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.
Over the last decade and more, he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.
You can follow Ralph on LinkedIn and Muckrack and find him featured on Mzansiwins, Bets.co.za and Cape Media Corporation.
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