Sipho Mbule of South Africa celebrates his goal with teammates during their international friendly against Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday. Photo: BackpagePix Bafana Bafana appear to have covered most of their bases as they head into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which gets underway this Sunday in Morocco, with optimism steadily building around Hugo Broos’ side. Fresh off a 1–0 friendly victory over a second-string Ghana outfit, South Africa arrive at the tournament in encouraging form and with growing belief.
While the friendly served mainly as a tune-up, it underlined the sense that Broos and his squad are well prepared, both tactically and mentally, for the challenge that lies ahead. After finishing third at the previous AFCON, Bafana now carry a reputation as one of the continent’s more settled and competitive sides. There is also renewed talk of emulating the class of 1996 and possibly even going a step further.
With a squad that blends experience, youth, and tactical clarity, South Africa have been tipped by many to finally deliver on a long-held promise and seriously challenge for only their second AFCON crown. However, the road will not be an easy one. Drawn in a demanding group that includes seven-time champions Egypt, along with Southern African neighbours Angola and Zimbabwe, Bafana will need to be sharp from the outset if they are to build momentum and replicate their impressive showing from the last campaign. As the tournament draws closer, several key talking points have emerged around the squad.
