South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has expressed optimism about his team’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but acknowledged that a lack of match sharpness has been an issue in their early Group K fixtures. Broos believes his side will be in a stronger position once players gain more game time as the domestic season resumes.
Bafana Bafana have had a challenging start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, requiring late goals in both of their matches to avoid defeat.
On September 6, Thalente Mbatha’s dramatic 95th-minute equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw against Uganda, while on Monday, a last-gasp goal secured a 3-2 victory over South Sudan.
Despite securing valuable points, Broos was critical of his team’s defensive errors, which nearly cost them the games.
A goalkeeping mistake by Veli Mothwa handed Uganda their second goal, and Siyabonga Ngezana was culpable for both of South Sudan’s strikes.
Reflecting on the performances, Broos pointed to the lack of competitive action in South Africa’s top division, which had yet to begin at the time of the matches.
“We didn’t have the sharpness in our game,” Broos said. “Eighty per cent of the 23 players had only played friendly matches because the season has not started in South Africa.”
Broos noted that this left his team at a disadvantage against more battle-hardened opponents like Uganda and South Sudan, who he described as “aggressive and very dedicated.”
The Belgian tactician is hopeful, however, that his players will be better prepared for the upcoming double-header against Congo in October, as the Betway Premiership season is set to begin this weekend.
“In October, we’ll be sharper than we are now,” he added, expressing confidence that South Africa would be in a better position once the players have competitive minutes under their belts.
The two matches against Congo are seen as pivotal to South Africa’s qualification hopes.
Currently sitting in a favorable position in Group K, Broos believes that if Bafana Bafana can secure at least four points from the two fixtures, their path to the 2025 AFCON will be much clearer.
“The games in October will be key.
If we can get at least four or six points, it will be good because we’ll still have the final qualifier at home against South Sudan.”
Broos was cautious but optimistic, stressing the importance of winning home games if they are to secure their spot in the tournament.
“I’m not saying we’ll win already before the game, but if you want to qualify, you have to win your home matches.”
Although Broos acknowledged his team’s good fortune in the late goals, he emphasised the need for improvement.
“We’re lucky the good Lord was with us in these two games that we could score against Uganda after 94 minutes and today after 95.”
With the domestic league set to kick off and key qualifiers on the horizon, Broos remains confident that South Africa will find their rhythm in time for the crucial matches ahead.
