Hugo Broos Explains What Bafana Bafana Must Do to Reach AFCON 2025 Final in Morocco

• Hugo Broos has stated what Bafana Bafana must do for them to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
• The Belgian tactician led the South African men's national team to victory in their first match at the ongoing AFCON competition
• The Bafana Bafana head coach's explanation on how his team can reach the final sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media

Hugo Broos, the head coach of Bafana Bafana, shared his views on what his team needs to do to advance to the AFCON final in Morocco.

South Africa kicked off their tournament journey with a closely contested 2–1 victory against Angola on Monday, December 22, 2025, in Marrakech. Bafana Bafana struck first with Oswin Appollis putting them ahead, but Angola quickly fought back as Manuel Show levelled the score, putting significant pressure on the home side, especially during the opening half. Lyle Foster later ensured the win with a decisive goal late in the game.

Read also

Pirates legend draws bold comparison between Mbokazi and World Cup winner

Second-half substitute Tshepang Moremi made the difference for Bafana Bafana when he came on and earned praise from Broos after the match.

Broos: What Bafana must do to reach AFCON final

Despite the triumph, coach Broos voiced his disappointment over Bafana’s performance in the first half, despite leading. The Belgian manager, however, commended the team for their stronger showing following the interval.

“We need to replicate the performance we showed in the second half against Angola,” Broos stated.

“In the first half, we were sluggish, and it wasn’t the South African team I’m familiar with. Our play lacked intensity, we were careless with possession, and we allowed the opposition too many chances to press us.

“Perhaps it was useful as a wake-up call; such a first-half performance won’t repeat itself in upcoming matches. Our main goal is to navigate the group stage and advance to the knockout rounds. Beyond that, anything can happen in a tournament this challenging, and a bit of luck is always helpful.

“I’m optimistic because the second half displayed the quality of football I was hoping to see. The team’s passion and aggression were back, and that truly pleases me.”

Read also

Mosimane weighs in on PSL title race, assesses Pirates’ chances against Sundowns

Here is what fans are saying on social media after Broos outlined what Bafana Bafana must do to reach the AFCON final.

Masango Doctorsen said:

"Simple, just score more than ur opponents."

Le Ti Na wrote:

"I don't like this guy, simply because he doesn't play Rele Mofokeng, as if Rele is going to cost Bafana Bafana..."

Joba_mrmo shared:

"Let me just sit back and relax!! I know it's coming home!!"

T E 🅱️ Z 🅰️ @ 🅿️ 🅰️ T Deesty commented:

"You have our full support, coach 🔥🔥🔥."

Lumz De Baba added:

"Always replacing CAM & CDM, needs reflection if we are to take the world by storm. The way we played should make us look for him to exert himself as a tactician; those goals need to appear as planned and practised. We need balance in CBs and DMs, as well as an alt CAM for CAM."

Read also

Broos praises standout performer as Bafana Bafana beat Angola in AFCON opener

Broos names AFCON favourite

Briefly News also reported that Hugo Broos named the team he thinks are favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Belgian tactician snubbed Bafana Bafana, Nigeria, and Tunisia while predicting the team that could lift the trophy.

Source: Briefly News