Cape Town – Hugo Broos has made it clear that Bafana Bafana will play just one more friendly before heading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco — a decision rooted in focus, not fear.
Broos defended his approach after the 3-1 win over Zambia in Gqeberha, saying: “No, we will play one game. I don’t like to play two or three games before we go.”
He argued that more matches — especially against other African teams — could actually hinder rather than help.
“We played enough games against African teams, so we don’t have to play against another African team … we don’t know African football,” Broos said.
He also stressed that this is not the time for experimentation: “There is very good competition in the team … they know each other, they know the system, the way we play. So we don’t need three more games to see that.”
And so it ends in Gqeberha. Our journey towards the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco continues…….#BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/743iZVq9um
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 15, 2025
Broos’ measured approach comes as he prepares to name his final 23-man squad. He has previously revealed that about 75-80 percent of the squad is already ‘in his head’.
The camp will formally assemble on 8 December at the University of Pretoria.
Despite a convincing performance against Zambia, Broos was modest.
“We didn’t play our game today … there were good moments … but we had to change a lot at half-time,” he said.
For him, this friendly serves a deeper purpose: giving chances to fringe players and tightening up his squad without the risk of overloading his starters.
“I gave players who hadn’t played much in the past some minutes to see how they react … and how they are adapting to the team tactically.”
Broos has acknowledged the dilemma in picking his final squad: “It will be challenging … we have more than 23 players who can go to AFCON and deserve to go.” With Group B in Morocco looking tough — featuring Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe — Broos seems confident that his tight, deliberate preparation can give Bafana the edge.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
