Broos: “Bafana Bafana Are Not Going Backwards” After AFCON Exit
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos struck a firm, unyielding tone after Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the national team remains on an upward trajectory despite a 2–1 round-of-16 defeat to Cameroon on Sunday night.
Goals either side of the break put the Indomitable Lions in control in Rabat, before Evidence Makgopa’s late strike gave South Africa a lifeline that ultimately arrived too late. Yet for Broos, the scoreline did not tell the full story of a performance he believes deserved more.
“We are not going backwards — absolutely not,” the veteran Belgian said afterwards. “There were matches in this tournament where our level wasn’t what people expect from South Africa, but today was not one of them.”
Broos pointed to fine margins and missed opportunities as the decisive factors, rather than any decline in standards. “In football you need moments to go your way,” he explained. “Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. At the last AFCON, a single save at the end of the quarter-final changed everything for us. This time, luck wasn’t on our side.”
Expectations were high following South Africa’s bronze-medal finish at the previous Nations Cup and their successful World Cup qualification campaign, but Broos rejected suggestions that this exit represents regression. Instead, he acknowledged shortcomings while urging perspective.
“Yes, we conceded more goals than before, and that’s something we must analyse honestly,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean the team is moving backwards. We have to evaluate calmly, learn from this tournament and focus on what comes next.”
That next challenge is already looming large. With the World Cup just months away, Broos stressed the importance of composure and clarity over emotional reactions. “After elimination, everyone feels frustrated and disappointed,” he said. “That’s when people say things they later regret. I won’t do that. The World Cup is close, and our job now is to be ready.”
While South Africa’s defensive solidity — a hallmark of Broos’ tenure — wavered in Morocco, he took encouragement from the attacking threat his side produced, particularly against Cameroon. “We created enough chances to finish the game early,” he reflected. “At this level, if you don’t take those chances, you pay for it. And we did.”
Broos, who has already confirmed he will step down after the World Cup, concluded with a final note of resolve. “We had the right plan, the players executed it, and the opportunities were there. Football can be cruel, but this team is not declining. We will take the lessons, move forward, and prepare properly for what lies ahead.”
Cameroon progress to a heavyweight quarter-final clash against hosts Morocco later this week, while South Africa turn their attention firmly to the global stage — determined, as their coach insists, not to look back, but to push on.