AFCON 2025: Bafana Bafana's Favourite Status in Question After Egypt Setback
- Bafana Bafana suffered a major setback in their quest to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- South Africa's defeat against Egypt has raised doubts about their favouritism tag ahead of the tournament
- A football analyst in an interview with Briefly News shared his thoughts on Bafana Bafana's favouritism tag
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Bafana Bafana headed into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with high expectations and were widely regarded as one of the favourite teams to win the competition in Morocco.
South Africa started the competition with a 2–1 win over Angola, which was not a convincing victory for most fans due to their performance in the game. They followed it with a defeat against Egypt on Friday, 26 December 2025. The loss to the seven-time African champions has raised questions about their ability to maintain their status as favourites to win the competition.
The match was filled with many controversial calls from the referee, but besides that, the game exposed vulnerabilities in both defence and attack, particularly in terms of being clinical in front of goal.
All these deficiencies in their first two matches prompted critics to reassess the team’s strength compared to other contenders in Group B and top teams in the competition. While the talent and experience within the squad remain undeniable, consistency and chance execution will be key factors moving forward.
Despite the setback against Egypt on Boxing Day, it is too early to write off Hugo Broos and his squad. The competition still has one more group-stage game as well as the knockout rounds, offering opportunities to regain momentum and assert dominance.
Coach Broos will likely make tactical adjustments, and key players are expected to step up to stabilise performances and secure the needed three points against Zimbabwe on Monday, 29 December 2025.
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The team’s ability to respond to adversity will be critical in determining whether they can still be considered a top contender in AFCON 2025. If Bafana Bafana can deliver convincing performances in the remaining games, especially against Zimbabwe, the defeat to Egypt may ultimately serve as a wake-up call rather than a definitive setback.
Can Bafana still be considered as favourites?
Sports journalist Moses Mbogo, while speaking with Briefly News, claimed that Bafana Bafana are still among the favourites despite losing to Egypt in their second game.
“As I said previously, Bafana Bafana have a big chance of securing a qualification ticket, and they remain part of the favourite teams to win the competition in Morocco,” he said.
“The defeat against Egypt was controversial, with South Africa showing glimpses of a properly coached team. They are still good to go, and win their second AFCON trophy in Morocco.
“The team that won the last edition of the competition had only three points in the group phase, but locked in during the knockout stages and went all the way to the final. I see Bafana Bafana doing the same despite all the criticism.”
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
