AFCON: How Cameroon plans to topple Broos’ Bafana Bafana

The psychological games have begun ahead of Sunday’s Round of 16 blockbuster, as Cameroon head coach David Pagou has positioned his side as the less-pressured outfit, claiming all eyes are on Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana to perform.

Speaking from the team’s base in Morocco, Pagou showered praise on South Africa’s tactical cohesion but was quick to point out that their recent pedigree in the competition makes them the side with everything to lose.

“During the last Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa had a very good run,” Pagou noted, referring to Bafana’s 2023 bronze-medal finish. “They will be under pressure because we are a team in the making. We know they are strong and stubborn opponents.”

The ‘Betway’ Advantage For Bafana At AFCON

Pagou highlighted Bafana’s unique advantage—a squad largely composed of domestic stars from the Betway Premiership who share an almost telepathic understanding on the pitch. Unlike many African giants who rely on a scattered diaspora of European-based stars, the core of Broos’ team trains together year-round in South Africa.

“They have a competitive domestic league and players who know each other very well, so the match will be complicated,” Pagou admitted. “We will play to our strengths and try to make things difficult for them.”

The Broos AFCON Factor

While Pagou is focused on the future, the ghost of 2017 (AFCON) looms large over this fixture. Hugo Broos remains a legendary figure in Cameroonian football circles after leading a “depleted” Indomitable Lions squad—missing nine key players who opted for club over country—to an unlikely continental crown.

Now, Broos stands in the way of his former side’s quest for a sixth star. For South Africa, the goal is simple but daunting: secure a first title in 30 years. For Pagou, the strategy is to play on that desperation.

“The goal is to show up strongly and deliver a good performance,” Pagou concluded, keeping his tactical cards close to his chest.