Aboutrika: Bafana Playing a Style Beyond Their Level
A former Egyptian football icon has delivered a scathing assessment of South Africa, bluntly insisting that South Africa are “not Spain” and accusing head coach Hugo Broos of arrogance and tactical overreach at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa’s AFCON journey ended at the Round of 16 after a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon, a match in which Bafana enjoyed long spells of possession but were ruthlessly punished for wastefulness in front of goal and lapses at the back.
While the Indomitable Lions advanced thanks to their superior efficiency, the fallout from the match sparked fierce criticism from former Egypt star Mohamed Aboutrika, who made it clear he was rooting for South Africa’s elimination.
Speaking before the tie, Aboutrika openly admitted that he wanted Bafana knocked out, taking particular issue with Broos’ comments and approach.
“Cameroon played three very tough matches in the group stage, and their coach knows exactly what he is doing,” Aboutrika said, as quoted by MSN.
He then questioned the level of opposition South Africa faced on their route to the knockouts.
“South Africa’s only real tough test in the group stage was against Egypt,” he added.
But it was Broos who drew the harshest criticism. Aboutrika accused the Belgian coach of unnecessary provocation and ego-driven football.
“I wanted South Africa to be eliminated because of the statements made by their coach, Hugo Broos,” he said. “He is arrogant and his comments are provocative.”
The former Al Ahly talisman also took aim at Broos’ complaints about the tournament’s organisation and facilities in Morocco, singling him out as an outlier.
“Everyone praised the stadiums, but he was the only one who criticised them,” Aboutrika continued.
Then came the most cutting line of all.
“The style he wants to play is above the level of his players,” Aboutrika said. “You are not Spain. He needs to focus more on defensive balance.”
Aboutrika concluded by pointing to Cameroon’s deep-rooted pedigree on the continent, arguing that history and mentality still matter at AFCON.
“Cameroon had problems before the tournament, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup,” he said. “But Cameroon has a great legacy in Africa, just like Egypt.”
Broos had previously questioned the atmosphere at Africa Cup of Nations, stating via ESPN: “There is no typical AFCON vibe. I don’t feel it here.”
While he acknowledged the quality of Morocco’s stadiums, he criticised low attendances and described logistical issues ahead of Bafana’s group-stage clash with Egypt as “chaos”, claiming ticket-holders were blocked from entering venues.