South Africa and Zambia share one of African football’s longest and most storied rivalries, with Saturday’s encounter in Gqeberha marking their 25th meeting in international competition — more than Bafana Bafana have played against any other nation.
While Zambia coach Moses Sichone has labelled South Africa as favourites, the historical record tells a different story. Since their first clash in 1992 at Soccer City — just months after South Africa’s return to international football — Bafana Bafana have recorded six wins, nine draws and nine defeats against Chipolopolo.
That inaugural meeting ended in a 1–0 victory for Zambia on August 30, 1992. It was only South Africa’s second competitive fixture since rejoining global football after apartheid-era isolation. Zambia, who used the same starting XI throughout, secured the win through Timothy Mwitwa’s decisive strike — the first of 26 goals they have scored against South Africa, who have netted 21 in return.
Zambia also claimed a commanding 3–0 triumph in the return leg of that same AFCON qualifying campaign, still their biggest winning margin over South Africa. Bafana eventually exacted revenge in 1997 at Soccer City with a 3–0 victory that eliminated Zambia from the race to the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Current assistant coach Helman Mkhalele opened the scoring that day as South Africa moved closer to their maiden appearance at the global showpiece.
A particularly memorable meeting came on May 10, 1994 — the day Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratic president. Kick-off had already taken place when Mandela arrived at Ellis Park, prompting an extended halftime break so he could greet both teams. Inspired by “Madiba Magic,” Bafana struck twice early in the second half through Brendan Augustine and Doctor Khumalo to claim a 2–1 win that captured the nation’s spirit of renewal.
The two nations have faced each other six times in the Africa Cup of Nations, including just once in the tournament proper — at the 2006 finals in Alexandria, Egypt, where Chris Katongo’s late goal handed Zambia a 1–0 win.
In friendlies, South Africa hold the upper hand with four wins, two draws and two defeats, while their World Cup qualifying duels have been evenly matched — a draw in Lusaka and a Bafana victory at home.
As they prepare to renew hostilities once more, the weight of history underscores a rivalry defined by pride, passion, and unforgettable moments in Southern African football.