AFCON 2025: Hugo Broos Sends Strong Warning to Bafana Bafana Ahead of Facing Mohamed Salah's Egypt

Despite securing a 2-1 victory over Angola in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opening match on Monday, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's performance, admitting they were fortunate to come away with the win.

South Africa edged out Angola in the match held in Morocco, but they relied heavily on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to keep them in the contest during a challenging first half.

The South African coach revealed that a stern half-time talk was necessary to galvanise the squad for the second period.

Hugo Broos told the Bafana Bafana squad that the opening stages of any competition usually come with a period of adjustment, as players take time to understand the rhythm and demands of the contest.

He reminded them that their recent opponents presented an unusual challenge, operating in a way that differs from what is commonly encountered on the continent.

According to him, the match required dealing with a more refined, possession-based approach combined with strong physical qualities, which tested the team in unexpected ways.

He added that taking an early lead may have created a false sense of comfort, leading some to believe the contest was already under control.

Hugo Broos stressed that this moment should serve as a lesson ahead of the upcoming showdown with Egypt, urging his players to remain alert, respect the opposition’s strengths, and maintain focus and intensity from start to finish rather than assuming that an early advantage guarantees success.

"You always know when you start a tournament that players are trying to feel things out, and we faced a team that plays differently than the average African side," Hugo Broos explained.

"This isn't typical African football; it's technical, passing football, and they have power too. Perhaps we were a bit surprised after scoring early and thought the job was done."

The coach acknowledged that the team's complacency nearly cost them, requiring a firm intervention during the break.

"We had a wake-up call, and my voice was a bit louder than usual in the locker room at halftime. You saw the reaction in the second half," he stated. "I know these guys, and this will never happen again."

Hugo Broos further emphasised that Bafana Bafana must maintain focus in their upcoming AFCON matches, cautioning that luck might not be on their side in the future.

"We were lucky to win this game without any real damage, but this can't happen again," he warned. "They cannot go into a game feeling it will be easy. However, I am happy they got the wake-up call, and we still won."

The victory extends Bafana Bafana's impressive unbeaten streak under Broos to 27 matches as they await Mohammed Salah’s Egypt on Friday, December 26.