Hugo Broos has delivered a sobering verdict on Bafana’s 2025 AFCON prospects, explaining why the road to continental glory in Morocco will be more treacherous than their previous bronze-medal campaign.
The Belgian tactician offered these insights following Bafana’s final preparatory hurdle on Tuesday, where they edged a gritty Ghana B side 1-0 at Dobsonville Stadium. While the victory provided a winning send-off, Broos utilised the post-match briefing to temper expectations and highlight the evolving intensity of African football.
South Africa is set to navigate a demanding Group B, beginning with a clash against Angola on Monday, 22 December. The stakes escalate quickly with a high-profile clash against seven-time champions Egypt, before a potentially decisive regional derby against Zimbabwe rounds out the opening stage.
Addressing the media, Broos was clear that while he trusts his squad’s pedigree, the margin for error has vanished.
A GROUP OF ‘HIGH-STAKES’ HURDLES FOR BROOS AND BAFANA
“The only thing we have to do is achieve the highest level, and I know these players can do that. It was the same last time, but the pressure is different now,” Broos noted.
The 2017 CAF AFCON winner explained that the tournament’s prestige serves as a massive catalyst for individual performance, making every opponent dangerous. He emphasised that for many locally based players, Morocco represents more than just a quest for a trophy—it is a life-changing opportunity.
“It is a very tough tournament because every team is 150% motivated,” Broos added. “For African players, this is the scene where they can show their qualities and perhaps secure a transfer to a bigger club. They are super motivated, and that makes them difficult to beat.”
THE BROOS VERDICT: ‘NO MORE WALKOVERS’
Reflecting on their unbeaten qualifying run and the historic third-place finish in the Ivory Coast, Broos was quick to dismiss any sense of complacency. He explained that the gap between the continent’s giants and the rising nations has closed entirely.
“This year, it’s a very tough tournament because the teams are very good. It is not like two years ago where you could easily predict which teams wouldn’t survive the group stages,” the coach warned.
In a final, chilling assessment of what awaits his troops in North Africa, Broos likened the upcoming group stages to a battlefield.
“There are no weak teams anymore. In every group, there will be war, and it’s up to us to be ready for that war.”
Despite the stern warning, Bafana Bafana heads to Marrakech with a potent blend of youthful energy and veteran experience, determined to prove that Broos’ “warriors” are equipped to survive the most difficult AFCON in modern history.
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