The African Cup of Nations in 2023 presents an intriguing narrative for Bafana Bafana, a team often overlooked but emerging as potential dark horses. Guided by the seasoned Belgian coach Hugo Broos, celebrated for his triumph with the Indomitable Lions in the 2017 AFCON, the 1996 AFCON champions are showing promising signs of resurgence.
Under the astute leadership of Hugo Broos, the team exhibited an impressive unbeaten streak of 12 games before encountering a setback against Rwanda during a FIFA World Cup qualifier in November 2023.
Their roster boasts the likes of Percy Tau, renowned for his prowess as Al Ahly’s goal-scoring machine and a key figure in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League victory, alongside 10 players from Mamelodi Sundowns. This Sundowns contingent brings substantial experience to the African stage, recently clinching the African Football League title and actively participating in the Caf Champions League.
The seasoned expertise within their ranks holds the potential to be a decisive factor in propelling the national team towards continental success. Drawing insights from past winners like Egypt, who in 2006 fielded 11 Al Ahly players and retained 12 players from their title-winning squad for the 2008 triumph, offers a compelling parallel.
The Egyptian narrative, coupled with the influence of a title-winning coach, stands as a motivating force for Bafana Bafana to aspire toward reclaiming their former glory on the African stage.
