South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, is keenly aware of the formidable challenge that lies ahead in Group E of the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Broos, a Belgian football tactician, emphasizes the 100% motivation displayed by their group stage adversaries – the Eagles of Mali, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, and the Brave Warriors of Namibia.
After a hiatus from the previous edition held in Cameroon, the South African national team, known as Bafana Bafana, is poised to make a strong comeback in AFCON 2023.
Broos, addressing the team’s aspirations, stressed the significance of advancing past the group stage.
“If we don’t make it out of the group stage, we won’t be satisfied, that’s for sure. I think that’s our first goal. Getting through this stage is one of the most complex things to achieve in this tournament,” he remarked.
While Group E poses challenges on paper, considering the formidable performances of Tunisia and Mali during the qualifiers and the spirited Namibian team, Broos is under no illusion about the tough competition.
“That’s how it is because we will be playing against three 100% motivated opponents, who also want to get out of the group stage,” added the seasoned coach.
In preparation for the continental tournament, Bafana Bafana plans to engage in a friendly match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles.
Despite Lesotho not qualifying for AFCON 2023, the match serves as a crucial part of South Africa’s readiness for the intense competition that awaits them.
As the football world eagerly awaits the kickoff of AFCON 2023, Broos and his team are gearing up for a challenging yet promising campaign on the African football stage.
