Fans Slam Coach Hugo Broos After Bafana Bafana's AFCON Exit

Following Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 defeat to Cameroon on Sunday, which resulted in South Africa’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), social media users voiced strong opinions about head coach Hugo Broos and several players.

South Africa’s hopes of repeating their historic 1996 AFCON triumph were dashed by the loss.

After the 1996 success on home soil, Bafana Bafana's record at this competition is as follows; they finished as runners-up in 2000, and were eliminated in the quarter-finals in 2002, 2013 and 2019.

They exited in the group stages in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2015, failed to qualify in 2010, 2012, 2017 and 2021, and made a surprise return in 2023, where they finished third after eliminating African giants Morocco.

Much of the criticism centred on Broos’ tactical approach to Sunday's clash with Cameroon, particularly his use of a 3-4-3 formation, which effectively meant that seven defensive-minded players were fielded.

Broos' game plan also saw Khuliso Mudau and Samukelo Kabini playing as wingers, a decision that drew widespread backlash.

Players including Lyle Foster, Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyabonga Ngezana were singled out by fans for criticism.

One social media user, @Mr_Unknown65047, harshly remarked that Sibisi would regret choosing football over farming, reflecting the frustration expressed online after the defeat.

Another user, identified as @Thug10111, criticized Hugo Broos's tactical decisions during the game, labeling him a "plumber." The criticism included a list of the user's specific dissatisfactions with Broos's actions. “We are 2-0 down by the 50th minute,

- we play the 82 minutes with 5 defenders 

- we take out Apollis and Mofokeng 

- For the last 20 minutes of the game our only attacking options on are Foster and Makgopa 

-Moremi, the most influential player played 8 minutes 

Peak Plumbing”

@mphoalex11 compared the Bafana Bafana squad of 2023 to the current one and said that the 2023 Bafana Bafana team was the real deal. “The real Bafana Bafana is this one (2023)

Those you saw today don't even deserve to go to FIFA World Cup. Just wasting our time. Just reopen the PSL and let us celebrate with our clubs. The true Bafana Bafana was that one that had players who played in the World Cup qualifiers and won bronze at the last AFCON.”

Bafana's elimination now shifts their focus to the upcoming World Cup tournament where they will play in the the tournament's opening match on June 11 against Mexico, a fixture which is the repeat of the opening match in the 2010 World Cup.

DAILY NEWS