Hugo Broos Rejects Favourites Tag for South Africa Ahead of AFCON in Morocco

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has dismissed suggestions that South Africa should be considered among the favourites for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Despite leading South Africa to a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, Broos believes such labels are both dangerous and premature.

Broos warned against overconfidence, insisting that being labelled a favourite can create unnecessary pressure on players. “I think it’s always very dangerous to put yourself as a favorite. I think this is something media has to do, or supporters,” he explained. The Belgian coach stressed that the tournament in Morocco presents a tougher challenge compared to Ivory Coast, with Africa’s traditional powerhouses expected to respond strongly.

“The only thing I can say is that this AFCON will be tougher than the one in Ivory Coast,” Broos said. “And you know why? Because I don’t think that the big countries will make the same mistake like they did in Ivory Coast.” He pointed out that nations such as Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Morocco underperformed in the last tournament but are unlikely to repeat those errors this time around.

Broos highlighted the depth and quality of Africa’s top teams as a key factor making the knockout stages particularly unforgiving. With major nations expected to advance beyond the group stage, he believes the path to winning the tournament will be extremely difficult. “Normally all the big teams will be there after the group stages. So that means it will be very tough to win this AFCON,” he noted.

While Broos refrained from calling South Africa a favourite, he acknowledged Morocco as a strong contender, citing the advantage of playing at home. “If you can say your favourite then it’s Morocco. Because Morocco is a very good team and he’s playing at home,” he said.

Broos concluded by emphasizing patience and observation, suggesting that assessments of favourites should wait until after the group stages. “We will see already after the group stages which teams are still there and then maybe we can change our opinion. But now for the moment you will not hear me saying that South Africa is one of the favourites.”

Bafana Bafana will enter AFCON with cautious optimism, guided by Broos’ experience and strategic approach, fully aware that past successes do not guarantee future triumphs in a competitive African tournament.