Bafana Bafana’s Afcon exit: Lessons learned ahead of Fifa World Cup
Cameroon midfielder Bathusi Aubaas fights for the ball with South Africa's forward Relebohile Mofokeng during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on January 4, 2026. Picture: Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP
Image: Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP
It’s no secret that Bafana Bafana came into this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with raised expectations, and they certainly failed to deliver in that regard.
South Africa crashed out of the tournament on Sunday following their 2-1 loss to Cameroon in their Round of 16 clash at Agdal Medina Stadium, in Rabat, on Sunday.
It came as a crushing blow to the SA footballing morale heading to the Fifa World Cup later this year.
In October, Bafana qualified for their first Fifa World Cup since the 2002 edition (they gained automatic entry to the 2010 edition as hosts) and confidence seemed to be at a record high.
Bafana Bafana’s Journey Under Hugo Broos: From World Cup Qualifiers to Afcon Challenges
Since Hugo Broos took over as coach back in 2021, Bafana have steadily improved their performances and the results have followed.
Not even an administrative blunder involving the ineligible Teboho Mokoena, which resulted in three points deducted, could stop South Africa from finishing top of their qualifier group to book their spot at the Fifa World Cup.
That’s why when Bafana came into this Afcon, it was with genuine belief they could contend for the title.
Bafana were one of the surprise packages at the previous editions as they claimed the bronze medal, which prompted a hero’s welcome on their return to South Africa.
Even against heavyweights Cameroon in their first knockout match, there was considerable confidence in this Bafana outfit.
However, lacklustre defending throughout their four games in which they failed to keep a clean sheet and a lack of fight after they went behind against Cameroon were revealing.
The fact is, Bafana beat Angola and Zimbabwe at this Afcon and lost to Egypt and Cameroon.
Coach Hugo Broos will explain this run the best he can, but to the outsider, it doesn’t scream progress.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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