South Africa’s Surprise AFCON Call-Up: The Uncapped Duo

South Africa's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations features two surprising call-ups, 20-year-olds Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith, for their potential international exposure. Coach Hugo Broos aims to build for the future while maintaining past successes, like their semi-final finish in previous tournaments.

South Africa's national football team has revealed its 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals, including two unexpected selections, namely Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith. The young duo, both 20 years old, aim to gain international experience under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos.

Campbell, currently with Club Brugge in Belgium, and Smith, playing for Queens Park Rangers, have had minimal senior match appearances this season. Broos, seeking to strike a balance between current performance and future potential, stressed that this choice nods to long-term strategic goals.

As South Africa gears up for its opening match in Marrakech against Angola on December 22, the squad is a blend of youthful zeal and veteran experience. The team's objective is to at least replicate their semi-final advancement from the previous finals in Ivory Coast.

(With inputs from agencies.)