AFCON 2025: Teko Modise Highlights Two Tactical Errors Bafana Bafana Made Against Cameroon

Former Bafana Bafana star Teko Modise has criticized two key decisions by coach Hugo Broos and his technical team following South Africa’s 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 on Sunday night.

Despite dominating possession and creating over 10 scoring chances, Bafana Bafana failed to capitalize, while Cameroon converted their only two shots on target into goals. Modise believes late substitutions and fear to take risks cost South Africa a place in the quarterfinals.

“You conceded in the 47th minute and your first changes are in the 62nd minute. You still have five at the back against one striker (Christian Kofane). There was no sense of urgency from the bench,” Modise said during his post-match analysis on SuperSport TV.

Late Changes Hurt Bafana

Broos introduced Aubrey Modiba and Evidence Makgopa for Samkelo Kabini and Oswin Apollis, who looked fatigued after playing every match and scoring twice in the tournament. While Modise agreed the changes were good, he felt they came too late.

“Those changes eventually worked, but imagine if they were made earlier. At 2-0 down in a knockout game, you have to take risks. Taking out Sibisi late, shifting Modiba and Mbokazi around, those decisions were too delayed,” Modise added.

Lessons From Egypt Loss Ignored

Modise, who earned 66 caps and featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, said Broos and assistant Helman Mkhalele failed to learn from the 1-0 group stage loss to Egypt, where Bafana didn’t exploit a numerical advantage.

“Against Egypt, we didn’t take risks when they were down to 10 men. Again, after conceding early against Cameroon, we needed to trust the bench. Players like Moremi could have made a difference earlier. Makgopa caused problems when he came on, but it was too late,” Modise concluded.