Broos explains why Bafana cannot underestimate Angola in AFCON opener

Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 friendly win over Ghana, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has warned his side to expect a tactical war in their 2025 AFCON opener against Angola.

The national team touched down in Morocco on Wednesday, a day after their victory against Ghana at Soweto’s Dobsonville Stadium—secured by a Sipho Mbule wonder-strike—but Broos is already shifting focus to the Group B curtain-raiser on Monday, December 22.

Broos Evaluates Angola Threat as Bafana Begin AFCON Journey

Broos pointed to the “new coach effect” under Patrice Beaumelle as a significant danger. The Belgian tactician believes the Palancas Negras are far more dangerous than their recent results suggest.

“I saw Angola in the World Cup qualifiers. They lost 1-0 to Libya, but if they played that game ten times, they would win it nine,” Broos told the media. “They are a good team, very tactical, and with a new coach, players always find that extra gear to prove themselves. We are facing a very tough opponent on Monday.”

Despite the warning, the AFCON bronze-medal-winning coach remains steadfast in his squad’s ability. For Broos, the mission in Marrakech is simple: result over flair.

“I believe in my team and what we have achieved. We have beaten opponents better than Angola in the past,” Broos insisted. “We shouldn’t be afraid; we should be confident. But they won’t give us presents. We have to play at our highest level. A win is enough—we don’t need to think about 2-0 or 3-0. Any win is the perfect result.”

The Road Ahead in AFCON Group B

The clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech (19:00 SA time) serves as the first hurdle in a grueling festive season schedule. Following the Angola encounter, Bafana Bafana face a quick turnaround for a Boxing Day blockbuster against Egypt in Agadir, before concluding the group stage with a high-octane “Battle of the North” against Zimbabwe on December 29.