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South Africa book date with familiar foe Zambia in November's FIFA window

Bafana Bafana will host Zambia in November
Bafana Bafana will host Zambia in NovemberGALLO IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

South Africa have announced they will host Zambia in a friendly during the November international break, scuppering hopes they might be able to line-up a high-profile opponent.

Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2026 World Cup earlier this month which will no doubt make them more attractive opponents for clubs around the world.

But with qualifiers in Europe and elsewhere still in full swing, the options for November were limited.

Zambia have also qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), so both teams will use the fixture as preparation for the December 21-January 18 tournament that will be staged in Morocco.

Bafana Bafana are in Group B in the AFCON, and they will face Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. The South Africans play their first match of the continental tournament against Angola on December 22.

South Africa have met Zambia more than any other nation down the years. This will be their 25th clash since the country’s readmission to international football in 1992.

Zambia, who are coached by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, lead the head-to-head 9-6 in that time with another nine draws, but have often met in competitions where South Africa – or both teams – have fielded understrength teams.

The venue and date for the match have not yet been revealed.

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