AFCON: Top 5 things we learned about Bafana Bafana in group stages

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AFCON: Top 5 things we learned about Bafana Bafana in group stages
Image - SAFA

Bafana Bafana finished second in Group B, behind Egypt, to get into the Last 16 phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In the group matches, Hugo Broos’ men started with a 2-1 win against COSAFA rivals Angola, before a controversial 1-0 loss to teh seven-time champions The Pharaohs of Egypt.

South Africa then beat another regional rival Zimbabwe 3-2 in their final pool game to join Mali, Tunisia, Senegal, Sudan, Morocco, Tanzania, Cameroon, Egypt, Benin, Nigeria, Mozambique, Algeria, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.

It will be interesting to see how Hugo Broos’ men will play against the Indomitable Lions as they seek their quarter-final ticket. But what did we learn from Bafana Bafana in the group stage?

Leaking defense

Ronwen Williams Bafana Bafana 1

In the 2023 edition staged in the Ivory Coast, Bafana Bafana were solid defensively on their way to bronze. They conceded two goals in group matches, and one in the semi-final meaning they allowed just three goals in regulation time.

However, in the ongoing edition, they have already allowed four goals, one more than the entire 2023 edition. It is definitely a course of concern to Hugo Broos who must fix the backline.

Foster, the real deal?

Lyle Foster celebrates his goal against Angola.

Burnley FC Striker Lyle Foster missed the 2023 AFCON edition owing to a medical condition. Evidence Makgopa did well to guide the team to the podium positions which was a massive achievement for a team that had come into the competition as underdogs.

In the ongoing edition, the 25-year-old has two asissts and as many goals which underlines his importance. He will definitely be a key player in the knockout phase as Bafana Bafana hope to win their second continental crown.

Did Mbokazi make Chicago Fire mistake?

Mbekezeli Mbokazi tackles Mohamed Salah at AFCON 2025.

20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been proving his doubters wrong with assured performances in the ongoing edition. This is a player who was introduced to the top-tier football in March 2025.

Recently, he made a move to Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates, a transfer that attracted reactions. A section of Mzansi fans felt he deserved to join a team plying trade in top leagues in the world. From the display in the group stage, some argue the youngster doesn’t deserve to play in the Major League Soccer.

Bafana Bafana struggling for consistency

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Photo - Imago
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Photo – Imago

The only game that South Africa impressed was against Egypt where they were unlucky to fall by a solitary goal from a controversial penalty conceded by Mamelodi Sundowns star Khuliso Mudau. Despite wins over Angola and Zimbabwe, Bafana Bafana have not been convincing.

Cameroon are their next opponent in the Round of 16, and Hugo Broos has no option but to get working combination. The Belgian has two days before a date with the Indomitable Lions.

Broos not afraid to act when necessary

Mohau Nkota and Hugo Btoos Bafana Bafana

Mohau Nkota has been enjoying a good run with Bafana Bafana in recent assignments. However, he struggled to make an impact especially in the win agaisnt Angola. Sphephelo Sithole was also subbed owing to his ineffectiveness against Zimbabwe.

With South Africa in the crucial stage of AFCON, it is a message to the players that they have to step up or risk sitting on the bench.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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