Bafana Bafana's Chances of Qualifying for Next Round at AFCON 2025 After Losing to Egypt
- South Africa are still in contention of securing a place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco despite losing to Egypt
- The Bafana Bafana suffered a controversial defeat against the seven-time African champions in the second group B fixture, and need a win against Zimbabwe in their last match
- A football analyst explained to Briefly News in an exclusive interview the chances of South Africa qualifying for the Round of 16 after losing to the Pharaohs
South Africa's defeat against Egypt would certainly have an effect in their path to the second round of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The loss exposed gaps in both midfield and attack of the Bafana Bafana, leaving the South African side needing all three points in their last group game against Zimbabwe on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Analysts have pointed out that while the team showed moments of promise in their first game against Angola, in which they secured all three points, consistency remains a critical issue for Hugo Broos' men.
Despite the setback, there is still room for optimism. Bafana Bafana have upcoming matches; if they seal a qualification ticket against Zimbabwe, that presents opportunities to regain momentum as the tournament goes on.
Key players are expected to step up, and tactical adjustments by coach Broos could prove decisive against their bitter rivals in their last group game.
Bafana Bafana's last group fixture is not only crucial for qualification but also for restoring team confidence and cohesion for them to push further in Morocco.
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South Africa will need to demonstrate both tactical discipline and mental strength to navigate this challenging phase and keep their AFCON 2025 campaign alive. A defeat against Zimbabwe would demoralise the team, as it is nowhere near what they achieved in the last edition in Ivory Coast.
Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 qualification chances
Sports journalist Moses Mbogo, in a chat with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the next round at the ongoing AFCON tournament.
"Bafana Bafana's losing to Egypt doesn't mean they can't qualify for the next round, they have a very good chance to secure the second round ticket," he said.
"They just need to beat Zimbabwe or secure a point at least to book a place in the Round of 16, a task I think Broos and his boys are capable of doing without breaking a sweat.
"I know that the defeat against Egypt have put more fear in fans who trusted the team going into the tournament, but I think they don't need to panic about the boys getting the job in the last group match."
Mbogo also shared his thoughts on the referee decisions and VAR calls during South Africa's loss against Egypt.
"Last year's AFCON was a definition of how to put the VAR to good use, but this year's edition has been an eyesore in terms of officiating," he added.
"The penalty given to Egypt was too soft, because it was obvious Mudau wasn't even looking before his hand hit Salah, but I agree with the last-minute drama, which led to Bafana Bafana being denied a penalty. It's definitely not a penalty."
Bafana legends blast ref on VAR calls
Briefly News also reported that two Bafana Bafana legends hit out at the referee in charge of South Africa's match against Egypt at the ongoing 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The Pharaohs were awarded a controversial penalty while Bafana Bafana were denied theirs very late in the match.
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Source: Briefly News
