AFCON 2025: South Africa coach Hugo Broos admits Egypt's quality compared to other opponents

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has offered a candid assessment of his team's upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) challenge, openly acknowledging that opponents Egypt represent a significant step up in quality compared to their previous Group C rivals.

Speaking ahead of the critical match that will likely decide the group leader, the veteran Belgian manager provided a sober analysis that balanced respect for the Pharaohs with faith in his own squad's capabilities.

“There are some precautions we have to take,” Broos stated. “It’s not a team like Zimbabwe; it’s not a team like Angola. This is a team a level higher.”

The admission highlights the dramatic shift in competition South Africa faces following their opening 2-1 victory over Angola. While the Bafana Bafana successfully navigated that challenge, Broos recognises that the tactical and technical demands against the seven-time AFCON champions will be substantially greater.

However, the coach's analysis didn't stop at acknowledging Egypt's superiority. He immediately followed his respectful caution with a crucial reminder to his players about their own strengths, creating a balanced psychological approach to the high-stakes encounter.

“But in the other way, we don’t have to forget our qualities,” Broos emphasised. “We don’t have to forget the way we played in the past.”

Broos further elaborated on his tactical outlook by explaining why his team wouldn't devote excessive attention to Salah alone, stating, "They are such a good team. Why should we focus on one player?... For us, it’s the team that’s important."

The match, which comes off at the Adrar Stadium at 15:00 GMT, presents South Africa with their first true test against continental elite in the tournament.

 

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