A former PSL coach has issued a stern warning to Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] draw in Morroco most recently.
The final draw for the 2025 AFCON set to be staged in Morocco was concluded following a star-studded ceremony at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January, giving the 24 qualified teams their path to the trophy.
The 2025 AFCON will be played between 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 across six host cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana were drawn in Group B against record AFCON winners Egypt. Angola and Zimbabwe complete the group.
Broos and his men have already been tipped to excel in the group as momentum for the tournament is already building. In the previous edition, Bafana accounted for the prestigious AFCON bronze medal. And they are the only team in Group B to have had a sterling record in the latest edition.
Angola and Egypt were bundled out in the Round of 16 stage. Zimbabwe were not part of the tourney after missing the qualifiers due to a FIFA ban.
Reacting after being drawn along with Zimbabwe, Broos said: “Zimbabwe is a neighbour of South Africa, and it’s always a very difficult game for us. On the other hand, in all the games we have played against Zimbabwe, we played one draw, and we won three times. So, winning against Zimbabwe is very possible in an AFCON.”
SUNDAY CHIDZAMBWA’S WARNING TO HUGO BROOS
Former PSL coach Sunday Chidzambwa has warned Broos against looking down on The Warriors of Zimbabwe as Bafana are said to be favourites in the group.
Bafana beat Zimbabwe 3-1 in a Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. However, Chidzambwa believes their meeting with The Warriors at 2025 AFCON is bigger than expected.
“This group is tricky because all these teams have a point to prove. Egypt want to prove they are still the big powerhouse in Africa by winning every match,” Chidzambwa told FARPost.
“Angola are a very skilful team. They showed what they are capable of during the last tournament. Bafana Bafana now have a record that speaks volumes. And as long as [Mamelodi] Sundowns is strong, they remain fearsome.
“On the other side, The Warriors are eager to bounce back with a bang. After the ban, there is a new energy and the new coach [Michael Nees] has a clear intention with the team.”
Chidzambwa added: “We are all confident the team can go beyond the group phase for the first time. This is the sixth time of qualification. The current group is young and has massive potential. Most importantly, The Warriors are in a better position to upset Bafana Bafana. Being the underdogs in the group will work to their advantage.
“So coach Hugo Broos and Bafana can only look down on Zimbabwe at their own risk. Even Egypt and Angola know they can’t look down on Zimbabwe because football is stubborn.”
The former Black Leopards coach has a good record in Zimbabwe, having led the national team to three AFCON editions.
Chidzambwa was in charge when Zimbabwe made their maiden AFCON appearance at the 2004 edition in Tunisia.
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