SOCCER: Profiles of the Group B teams at Africa Cup of Nations

The Africa Cup of Nations 2023 kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, with Group B teams gearing up for an exciting tournament. The group consists of four nations: Angola, Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Below is a breakdown of each team, their journey to the tournament, and key players to watch.

Group B Fixtures (kickoff time in GMT):

Dec 22

17:00 – Agadir: Egypt vs Zimbabwe

19:30 – Marrakech: Angola vs South Africa

Dec 26

17:00 – Agadir: Egypt vs South Africa

19:30 – Marrakech: Angola vs Zimbabwe

Dec 29

19:30 – Agadir: Angola vs Egypt

19:30 – Marrakech: South Africa vs Zimbabwe

Angola

Previous Appearances: 9 times (1996, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2023)

Best Performance: Quarter-finals (2008, 2010, 2023)

FIFA World Ranking (Nov 2025): 89

Coach: Patrice Beaumelle (France)

How They Qualified: First in Group F, ahead of Sudan, Niger, and Ghana.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Signori Antonio, Agostinho Kalunga, Hugo Marques, Nublu

Defenders: Eddie Afonso, Pedro Bondo, Jonathan Buatu, David Carmo, To Carneiro, Nurio Fortuna, Kialonda Gaspar, Clinton Mata, Rui Modesto

Midfielders: Mario Balburdia, Fredy, Manuel Keliano, Maestro, Beni Mukendi, Show

Forwards: Ary Papel, Manuel Benson, Chico Banza, Gelson Dala, Zito Luvumbo, Mabululu, Milson, Randy Nteka, Mbala Nzola

Egypt

Previous Appearances: 26 times (1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023)

Best Performance: 7-time winners (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010)

FIFA World Ranking (Nov 2025): 34

Coach: Hossam Hassan

How They Qualified: First in Group C, ahead of Botswana, Mauritania, and Cape Verde.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El Shenawy, Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhi

Defenders: Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Eid, Ahmed Fatouh, Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Ismail, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi

Midfielders: Ibrahim Adel, Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Hamdy Fathi, Mostafa Fathi, Mohanad Lashin, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ahmed Zizo

Forwards: Osama Faisal, Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Salah Mohsen, Mohamed Salah

South Africa

Previous Appearances: 11 times (1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2023)

Best Performance: Winners (1996)

FIFA World Ranking (Nov 2025): 61

Coach: Hugo Broos (Belgium)

How They Qualified: First in Group K, ahead of Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams

Defenders: Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tylon Smith

Midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Thalenthe Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Shandre Campbell, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota

Zimbabwe

Previous Appearances: 5 times (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021)

Best Performance: Group phase

FIFA World Ranking (Nov 2025): 129

Coach: Mario Marinica (Romania)

How They Qualified: Runners-up in Group J, behind Cameroon, ahead of Kenya and Namibia.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa

Defenders: Sean Fusire, Munashe Garananga, Brandon Galloway, Teenage Hadebe, Emmanuel Jalai, Divine Lunga, Isheanesu Mauchi, Alec Mudimu, Godknows Murwira, Gerald Takwara

Midfielders: Tawanda Chirewa, Jonah Fabisch, Marvelous Nakamba, Prosper Padera, Andrew Rinomhota

Strikers: Bill Antonio, Macauley Bonne, Tadiwanashe Chakuchichi, Prince Dube, Tawanda Maswanhise, Daniel Msendami, Knowledge Musona, Washington Navaya, Ishmael Wadi, Junior Zindoga -Compiled by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters