Bafana Bafana Brace for Tougher AFCON Test, Target on Their Backs

Posted : 21 December 2025

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos and captain Ronwen Williams have signaled that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco will present a more challenging test than the previous tournament in Ivory Coast, where the team finished third. Both have tipped host nation Morocco as the favourites to lift the trophy, although Williams admitted that winning the tournament would be a “dream.”

“Obviously, people know what South Africa is about now. We’ve been unbeaten for the past two years,” Williams told the media ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opener against Angola in Marrakesh. South Africa’s only defeat under Broos since the last AFCON came via a forfeit to Lesotho in March due to fielding an ineligible player.

Williams highlighted the team’s recent accomplishments, including victories over Morocco and strong showings against Nigeria in World Cup qualifying. “Coming into this AFCON, we know there will be a target on our backs. Opponents will analyse us closely, but it’s a challenge we welcome. We must double our efforts to compete at the highest level,” he added.

While several teams are in contention for the title, Williams emphasized that Bafana Bafana possess the quality to advance further than in the last tournament. “It’s not an easy tournament to win, but we believe we can go a step further,” he said.

Coach Hugo Broos echoed the sentiment but was careful to avoid calling South Africa favourites. “It’s always risky to declare yourself the favourite. This AFCON will be tougher because the big nations have learned from past mistakes. Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco—they won’t exit early this time,” Broos explained. He added that Morocco, playing at home, should be considered the tournament’s main favourite, and all other teams would face a significant challenge.

After facing Angola in their opening match, South Africa will travel to Agadir to play Egypt on Boxing Day and conclude their group stage fixtures against Zimbabwe in Marrakesh on December 29. The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, advance to the round of 16, leading into a knockout phase culminating in the final in Rabat on January 18.

Bafana Bafana Brace for Tougher AFCON Test, Target on Their Backs

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