History on Bafana’s Side as Broos Prepares for Angola Clash
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos believes his side’s hard-earned experience will stand them in good stead when they face Angola in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B encounter on Monday.
The COSAFA rivals will meet at the Marrakesh Stadium, marking their fourth meeting at an AFCON tournament. History favours South Africa in this fixture, with Bafana Bafana yet to lose to Angola at the continental showpiece, recording two wins and a draw in previous encounters.
Broos is confident that record can be maintained, but insists complacency would be dangerous.
“I believe in my team because we have been through difficult situations before,” Broos said. “We have beaten stronger opponents in the past, so there is no reason to be afraid. We must trust ourselves, but at the same time understand that Angola will not give us anything for free.”
The Belgian coach stressed that efficiency, rather than flair, will be key. “We don’t have to think about winning 3–0 or 2–0. A win is a very good result for us. That is what matters at this stage of the tournament.”
Angola arrive in Morocco under new leadership after long-serving Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves departed to join Young Africans in Tanzania. The Palancas Negras are now guided by French coach Patrice Beaumelle, who brings significant AFCON pedigree, having lifted the trophy twice as assistant to Hervé Renard with Zambia and Ivory Coast.
Broos believes that change has added fresh motivation to the Angolan camp. “I watched Angola during the qualifiers and they are a very good team,” he added. “There was one match they lost 1–0, but if they played it ten times, they would win nine. They are technical, well organised and now with a new coach, the players want to prove themselves.”
He concluded: “That means one thing — we are facing a tough opponent on Monday.”