SOUTH Africa head coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged that Egypt will be their toughest challenge in Group B at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
However, he remains optimistic about Bafana Bafana’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Drawn alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola, South Africa aim to build on their third-place finish at AFCON 2023 and challenge for their first continental title since 1996.
Speaking after the AFCON 2025 draw in Rabat on Monday, Broos expressed confidence in his squad but recognised the difficulty of the task ahead.
He highlighted Egypt’s experience and resurgence as key factors in their status as Group B favourites.
“On paper, Egypt is the biggest threat in our group,” Broos admitted.
“They struggled in the last tournament and exited early, but they have rebuilt strongly over the past year and performed excellently in the qualifiers. If we want to top the group, they are the team to beat.”
Egypt, the seven-time AFCON champions, suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit at AFCON 2023.
However, under the leadership of Hossam Hassan and with Mohamed Salah leading the squad, the Pharaohs are aiming for redemption.
While Egypt pose the biggest challenge, Broos stressed that South Africa will not underestimate Zimbabwe or Angola.
“We also have Zimbabwe, a team we know well,” he said.
“This will be the fourth time we play against them. We met in World Cup qualifiers and previous AFCON qualifiers, though one of those matches did not take place due to their disqualification.
“We will play them again in the World Cup qualifiers, so we understand how tough these encounters can be. However, we believe we can win.”
Zimbabwe return to AFCON after missing the 2023 edition and will be eager to make an impression, while Angola remain an unknown quantity for Broos.
“For me, Angola is a team I don’t know well,” he admitted. “So, it will be crucial to study them and prepare thoroughly.”
South Africa heads into AFCON 2025 with renewed confidence following their strong showing at the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire, where they claimed third place after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over DR Congo.
Broos believes that experience will be vital as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco.
“In general, I am pleased with the draw,” he said.
“It’s not an easy group, but we have a great opportunity to qualify for the next round.
“At AFCON, anything can happen in the knockout stages, and we will do everything possible to have an even better tournament than last time.”
With AFCON 2025 set to begin on 21 December, South Africa will be aiming for another deep run, and Broos is confident that his squad is ready for the challenge. – Sports Reporter