Hugo Broos criticizes AFCON 2025 atmosphere and organization in Morocco

South Africa national team head coach Hugo Broos has voiced strong criticism of the organization and atmosphere of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, claiming that previous editions of the tournament were superior.

Speaking to the media, Broos said he does not feel the same AFCON spirit he experienced in past tournaments.
“I don’t feel the same atmosphere compared to what I felt in Gabon or Ivory Coast. I don’t know how to explain it, but in Ivory Coast and Gabon, you really felt you were at a major tournament,” he stated.

Broos highlighted the lack of fan engagement.
“When we used to go to training by bus, people were waving flags and showing real excitement. Here, there is nothing like that. There is no feeling, no traditional Africa Cup of Nations atmosphere,” he added.

The South Africa coach also pointed to poor attendance at matches.
“If people are not allowed to enter the stadium for free, nobody comes to watch the games,” Broos said.
“No one came to watch South Africa vs Zimbabwe, and no one came to our match against Angola. In Ivory Coast, even matches like Tunisia vs Namibia had fans in the stands. The local population was involved in the tournament — I don’t feel that here.”

Broos also addressed security and crowd management, recalling an experience he described as chaotic during South Africa’s match against Egypt.
“My family was at the game against Egypt, and the situation was chaotic before kickoff. The police didn’t allow some people with tickets to enter the stadium, while crowds without tickets were allowed in,” he explained.
“My wife said she felt scared. In that case, the organization was not good.”

Despite his criticism, Broos acknowledged the positive aspects of the tournament’s facilities.
“We can’t say we are unhappy with everything. You can see that the hotel here in Marrakech is excellent, and the hotel in Agadir was also good. I feel more comfortable here in Marrakech,” he noted.
“The stadiums are good, and we have no complaints in that regard.”

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