Broos warns of tough challenges ahead

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.

- HERMAN GIBBS

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.