At the age of 42, veteran Mozambican international campaigner Domingues Elias Pelembe is still going strong and defying his age and will lead his team against the champions Ivory Coast.
Riyad Mahrez scored twice to inspire Algeria to a 3-0 victory in their opening Africa Cup of Nations encounter against Sudan at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
Burkina Faso came from a goal down to beat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in a thrilling Group E contest at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast defender Guela Doué says the reigning AFCON champions are fully aware of the expectations that come with their status and are determined to achieve one of the tournament’s toughest feats – successfully defending the title.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has praised the AFCON debutants in the squad, saying he has been impressed by how quickly they have risen to the occasion.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole believes the growing respect SA are commanding from their continental rivals at AFCON is a direct reflection of the unity within the squad.