Coach Hugo Broos warns of tough challenges ahead amid Bafana Bafana's high expectations

On the eve of Bafana Bafana’s journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, head coach Hugo Broos has issued a stark warning about the road ahead.

Following a narrow 1-0 victory against a determined Ghana B side at Dobsonville Stadium, which served as their final warm-up match, Broos emphasised the heightened challenges that await his squad.

South Africa kicks off its AFCON campaign in Group B, facing Angola in the first match on 22 December. The group also includes African football heavyweights Egypt and regional rivals Zimbabwe, making for a demanding schedule.

Despite the optimism stemming from an unbeaten qualifying run and a commendable bronze-medal finish at the previous AFCON, Broos made it clear that complacency must not set in.

“The only thing we have to do is achieve the highest level, and I know these players can do that,” Broos commented. “It was the same last time, but the pressure is different now.”

The 73-year-old Belgian tactician, who lifted the AFCON trophy in 2017, underscored the tournament’s growing prestige and competitiveness, stressing that every opponent poses a serious threat.

Broos added that for many locally-based players, AFCON represents a life-changing opportunity.

“It is a very tough tournament because every team is 150% motivated. For African players, this is the scene where they can show their qualities and perhaps secure a transfer to a bigger club,” he noted. “They are super motivated, and that makes them difficult to beat.”

Echoing sentiments from previous tournaments, Broos warned that the margin for error has diminished.

The competitive landscape of African football is ever-evolving, and he remarked, “This year, it’s a very tough tournament because the teams are outstanding. It is not like two years ago, when you could easily predict which teams wouldn’t survive the group stages.”

His assertion that “there are no weak teams anymore” reflects a shift toward a more level playing field across the continent.

Bafana Bafana enters this year’s tournament with the memory of their latest success fresh in mind. At the last AFCON, they defied expectations by reaching the semi-final and finishing third after overcoming the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a penalty shootout.

Broos reiterated that anything short of that standard would not be acceptable. “We did very well two years ago at AFCON, and we can’t be happy if we don’t come back with the same result,” he affirmed, while urging his charges to aim for even greater heights.

With a mix of youthful endeavour and seasoned experience, Bafana Bafana appears poised for the challenge.

As they travel through Dubai en route to Morocco, Broos expressed confidence in his squad’s abilities, stating emphatically, “We want to bring back home gold that’s for sure, but this is a very tough tournament.” His ambition is clear: while football is unpredictable, the team is approaching the tournament determined to write their own narrative.

In anticipation of a crucial opener against Angola, Broos underlined the importance of collecting maximum points early. “It is vital that we don’t lose that game. We saw at the last AFCON we lost against Mali, and then we struggled in our second match,” he cautioned.

A strategic draw against Egypt could significantly bolster their chances moving forward, and Broos reiterated, “Let’s win against Angola and maybe play a draw against Egypt. That’s 75 to 80% that we are passing the group stages.”