Hugo Broos Draws Similarities Between 2017 AFCON Winning Squad and Current Cameroon Team

• Hugo Broos has drawn similarities between the current Cameroon squad and the one that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon
• The Bafana Bafana head coach led the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to victory in Gabon, and he's hoping to do the same with South Africa
• The Belgian tactician's comments drew several reactions from fans on social media as they anticipate the match against Cameroon

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged the parallels between his 2018 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team and Cameroon’s current youthful squad.

The Indomitable Lions entered the tournament amid uncertainty, following the dismissal of former head coach Marc Brys by Federation President Samuel Eto’o and the exclusion of several seasoned players. David Pagou was appointed as the new head coach to lead the team.

The Belgian tactician recently voiced out his frustration ahead of Bafana Bafana's clash against Cameroon in the Round of 16 after guiding them past Zimbabwe in their last group game on Monday, December 29, 2025.

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Broos speaks on Cameroon's current squad

Notably absent from the squad are Andre Onana and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, the latter sidelined due to injury. Only two players from the team that lifted the AFCON trophy eight years ago remain in the current lineup.

“Tomorrow’s match is between South Africa and Cameroon, not Hugo Broos against Cameroon. It’s important to note that Cameroon has undergone significant changes right before the tournament,” Broos said.

“You wonder how it will turn out, but for Cameroonians, it looks promising. They have a young, ambitious team eager to perform and win. It reminds me of our 2018 Gabon squad. No one expected much from us, yet we went on to win AFCON. That hunger and mentality were key, and Cameroon is showing that same spirit today.”

The two teams are set to clash in Rabat on Sunday at 21:00.

Here is what fans are saying on social media about Hugo Broos' comments about the similarities between the Cameroon team that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the present squad at the 2025 edition in Morocco.

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LLOYD_KOENA said:

"Madala, just learn to substitute 😩😩😩 don't take too long."

Kgauhelo Pitso shared:

"Please don't play too defensively."

Fanele Mthobisi wrote:

"He doesn't seem happy at all..."

Ntokozo reacted:

"We need local players ONLY."

Nadir Hammouch commented:

"The most arrogant coach in Afcon, these European they go to Africa, thinking they are above everyone."

Mshizman Shimeh added:

"Unfortunately, it's Hugo vs Cameroon. Should we get knocked out, I'm afraid the pressure will only get worse, unwarranted if you ask me, but because they want their favourites, they will push for Madala's exit before the World Cup. And bayanya!"

Source: Briefly News