CAN 2025 preparations: South Africa set to challenge Ghana in friendly | OneFootball

South Africa will take on Ghana in a friendly on December 16

South Africa vs Ghana / @x.com/AsafoObed/

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced that it has reached an agreement with its Ghanaian counterpart to organize a friendly match between the two national teams, scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as part of their preparations for upcoming continental competitions.

A serious test between South Africa and Ghana

This match is part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco. It will serve as the final test for Bafana Bafana before the continent’s biggest stage kicks off.

On the other hand, Ghana’s Black Stars will use this clash to regain momentum ahead of their campaign at the 2026 World Cup, following their unexpected absence from this year’s AFCON—something that hasn’t happened since 2004.

According to the South African Federation, the match will be played in Gauteng Province, with the exact stadium to be announced at a later date.

This friendly carries extra significance given the history between these two nations. In their 17 previous encounters, the record is nearly dead even: five wins apiece and six draws. This balance highlights the enduring rivalry and high level of competitiveness between the Black Stars and Bafana Bafana.