Hugo Broos Holds On to Positives Despite Bafana Bafana’s Early AFCON 2025 Exit
- Hugo Broos has answered the questions raised about any positives taken by Bafana Bafana from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- The Bafana Bafana head coach reflected on South Africa's outing at the competition after crashing out of the competition in the second round
- South Africa won two matches out of the four games they played, with their two defeats coming against former champions
Hugo Broos has assessed South Africa’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, considering whether there were any meaningful takeaways despite Bafana Bafana’s premature elimination from the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
The national side bowed out at the Round of 16 following a defeat to Cameroon, marking a regression from the bronze medal finish achieved at the previous AFCON held at Ivory Coast.
Although Bafana Bafana collected two victories from three group-stage matches, their overall performances failed to convince many observers fully ahead of the knockout phase.
Bafana Bafana's journey at AFCON 2025
South Africa headed into the competition as one of the favourites to win it after their performance during the World Cup qualifiers, and also their unbeaten run under Broos.
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They started the competition with a narrow win over Angola in the first group game and followed it with a controversial defeat against the Pharaohs of Egypt, while securing a place in the Round of 16 following their decisive win over bitter rivals Zimbabwe in the final group stage match.
The Belgian tactician was unable to guide the 1996 AFCON champions past his former team, Cameroon, in the second round as the Indomitable Lions claimed a deserved 2-1 win.
Broos hold to positives from AFCON
Broos acknowledged that, despite the disappointment of an early exit that curtailed their high hopes, the team still gained important experience from the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
“It was certainly a valuable experience, even if it came with some setbacks,” Broos told Diski Fans.
“You have to look at it from the right perspective. For a country like South Africa, participating in every AFCON is essential.
“For a time, we managed to achieve that. This outing wasn’t as strong as the previous one, but being present on the stage is what matters most. We’re also preparing for the World Cup.
“I hope that in the years ahead, South Africa will continue to compete in future AFCONs and World Cups, because those are the arenas where players truly grow and develop.”
Broos' focus has turned his attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the AFCON, and they are being drawn in Group A alongside one of the hosts.
Broos warned against public criticism
Briefly News also reported that Broos was warned against public criticism after Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The former Cameroon national team coach made some comments about the tournament before their game against the Indomitable Lions, and it was used against him after South Africa crashed out of the competition.
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Source: Briefly News
