AFCON 2025 Predictions: Hugo Broos picks title favourites… and its not Bafana Bafana

South Africa coach Hugo Broos believes Morocco will be the standout favourites at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, which kick off on Sunday in Marrakech.

Speaking ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opening Group B clash against Angola, Broos predicted that the tournament will follow form this time around, with fewer surprises than in the last edition.

“I don’t think the big countries will make the same mistake they did two years ago,” Broos said. “As you remember, many of them were knocked out early — Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco and so on. That will not happen now. They learned their lesson.”

Broos, who guided South Africa to a bronze medal in Ivory Coast two years ago, warned that the level of competition will be even higher this time.

“Normally, all the big teams will be there after the group stages. So it will be very tough to win this Afcon,” he explained. “If you can call a favourite, it’s Morocco. They are a very good team and they are playing at home. For the rest of us, it will be a challenge.”

While refusing to label his own side among the contenders, Broos made it clear that the Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, will be the team everyone has to beat.

“For now, you will not hear me saying that South Africa is one of the favourites,” he concluded. Let’s see after the group stages who is still standing.”