Ghana B head coach Kassim Mingle Ocansey has shared his thoughts on Bafana Bafana’s prospects at the upcoming 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
South Africa head to the continental tournament as they bid to be crowned African champions for the first time since 1996. Over the years, they have struggled to replicate the exploits of the Class of ’96, which was led by the late coach Clive Barker.
Hugo Broos now shoulders the responsibility to deliver the second-ever AFCON title for South Africa. The Belgian is not new to achieving that feat, having guided a depleted Cameroon national side to the 2017 continental title.
He almost led Bafana to finishing first when they ended up settling for bronze at the last edition in the Ivory Coast. That heightens expectations on Broos and his men to go a notch further by reaching the final in Morocco.
Broos’ troops will be in Group B at AFCON and face Angola, seven-time African champions Egypt and COSAFA rivals Zimbabwe. They open their campaign against the Palancas Negras in Marrakech on Monday.
Before departure for North Africa, Bafana edged a Ghana B side 1-0 in an international friendly match at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday. After coming up close against Broos’ side, Ocansey rates Bafana’s chances of lifting the AFCON crown.
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“We planned how to contain them [South Africa], and it worked to perfection as they couldn’t utilise all the tactics they have been outwitting opponents with. They were finding it difficult to outwit us,” said Ocansey.
“And it has helped them to see the strengths or the weaknesses of the team so that they can correct them before AFCON. It was a game they played well, but it’s unfortunate for them we were able to block where we managed to block them from operating. And that worked for us because our boys were determined to play.
“Without taking anything from Bafana Bafana, they are a very good team. Tactically, if you don’t strategise well, they will disgrace you. They are not a bad side at all.
“I congratulate South Africa because if they were any other team, we could have beaten them because of the way my boys played. They are a very solid team, and I wish them all the luck at AFCON.
“I rate Bafana Bafana as one of the contenders for AFCON. I have confidence in them that they are one of the contenders for the AFCON title.”
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