South Africa coach Hugo Broos defends tactical choices during AFCON 2025

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has defended his team’s tactical approach during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting the criticism following the match overlooked key moments where his strategy was working effectively.

Speaking to iDiski Times, Broos expressed surprise at the backlash. “I was a little bit surprised about the amount of criticism we got about that game. Everyone forgot that the first half hour of the game it should have been 2-0 for us because the tactics were good,” he said.

The Belgian tactician praised his players, particularly Rele and Oswin, for executing the back-three formation effectively, leaving Cameroon unsure how to respond. However, he cited unusual interruptions as a factor in the team losing their rhythm.

“At a certain moment, the coach called, and it’s something CAF has to forbid… then suddenly the keeper was falling down after I don’t know? A drop of rain falling on his head because the coach told him to fall as he needed to speak to the team—they need to stop these things from happening,” Broos explained.

He added that while the formation exposed Cameroon’s vulnerabilities, the team struggled in the second half.

“First half, okay… second half we were 2-0 down and chasing the game, not clear with the game plan because the pressure is too high,” Broos said.

When asked whether he would use the back-three again, Broos remained non-committal. “Will we do it again? I don’t know… it depends on the opponent. But the first half was something, you can say maybe we will do it again one day.”

Meanwhile, South Africa will come up against Panama in a back-to-back friendly game as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.