As the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has poured cold water on suggestions that South Africa are among the leading contenders for the title, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Instead, Broos has pointed to the hosts and the traditional powerhouses from West Africa as the teams most likely to lift the trophy this year.
South Africa’s immediate focus, however, is firmly on Monday night’s Group B opener against Angola in Marrakesh. Broos has made it clear that getting off to a winning start is a priority, especially as Bafana look to prove that their bronze-medal finish in Ivory Coast last year was no coincidence.
The Belgian coach believes this edition of the tournament will be more demanding than the last, stressing that the competition will intensify as it progresses. While he expects the heavyweight nations to navigate the group stages, Broos is determined that his side concentrate on building momentum rather than worrying about favourites or predictions.
Team captain Ronwen Williams has acknowledged that Bafana are no longer flying under the radar. With 10 players in the squad having featured at the previous AFCON and a strong recent run of results, Williams believes opponents are paying closer attention. He pointed to victories over Morocco and an unbeaten stretch against Nigeria as evidence that South Africa can compete with the continent’s elite, adding that the team must raise its level further if it wants to challenge for the title.
Angola, though, stand in the way of that ambition and are expected to provide a tough opening test. The Palancas Negras arrive at their third consecutive AFCON with a squad that includes players based at major European clubs. Under the guidance of experienced coach Patrice Beaumelle, they are eager to snap their winless run against South Africa and start the tournament on a positive note.
Beaumelle has dismissed historical records, insisting that his side’s focus extends beyond one opponent in a month-long competition that also includes group matches against Zimbabwe and Egypt.
While the result of the opening fixture will not decide Bafana’s fate, it could shape their campaign. The match also carries personal significance for Broos, marking his 50th game in charge and his second successive AFCON as South Africa’s longest-serving coach.
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