Bafana Bafana and Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster has come out to discuss the target they have set themselves at the 2025 AFCON finals in North Africa.
South Africa are preparing for the biannual continental competition to be staged by Morocco from December 21 to January 16. Drawn in Group B, they will face record seven-time African champions Egypt, neighbours Zimbabwe and COSAFA rivals Angola.
Old rivalries will resume, with the Pharaohs keen to avenge themselves on Bafana, who ejected them from their own party when the North Africans hosted AFCON in 2017.
A Thembinkosi Lorch strike sent Egypt reeling out of this tournament following a 1-0 defeat at the Last-16 stage. Zimbabwe and Angola have long been fighting for regional dominance against Bafana.
FOSTER ON WHAT BAFANA ARE TARGETING AT AFCON
After Hugo Broos’ men claimed bronze at the last AFCON edition, they are now expected to surpass that outing in the Ivory Coast.
They also arrive in Morocco having last been crowned African champions in 1996, a long drought that could inspire them this time around. 25-year-old Foster was not even born when Bafana conquered the continent under the legendary and late coach Clive Barker.
“Yes, 100 per cent [Bafana want to make history]. That’s why we are here now. Amazing from the guys to finish third at the last one,” Foster said on SuperSport TV.
“Now, we are going to try by all means to go and better this one, the one we did the last time. The only way we can better that is to reach the final.
“Once we reach the final, we will see what happens. We are hoping to go all the way this time, and yes, I strongly believe in the squad and the players that we have, and that’s what is important.
“I’m excited to be going out there. 1996 is a long time, so yes, I’m excited. Personally, it will be my first one. No doubt it will be tough, but I’m looking forward to it.”
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