Hugo Broos Backs Bafana To Peak At AFCON Despite Underwhelming Ghana Test

A Win That Raised As Many Questions As It Answered

The scoreboard said victory, but the mood at Dobsonville Stadium told a more complicated story. Bafana Bafana edged past a Ghanaian B side 1–0 in their final tune-up before the Africa Cup of Nations, yet the performance left fans restless rather than reassured.

Coach Hugo Broos did not sugar-coat it. He knew this was not the kind of display that sends a nation confidently packing for a major tournament. Still, the Belgian remains convinced the real Bafana will only reveal themselves when AFCON begins.

One Moment Of Magic, Little Else

South Africa needed something special to break the deadlock, and Sipho Mbule delivered just that. His long-range strike in the second half was a reminder of the quality sitting within this squad, even on a night when fluency was hard to find.

Broos deliberately fielded a starting line-up packed with fringe players, giving opportunities to those fighting for relevance as the team prepares to travel to Marrakesh via Dubai. The result mattered, but the experiment mattered more.

Why Broos Is Not Panicking

Speaking after the match, Broos suggested the looming tournament may already have been playing on players’ minds. No one wants to limp into AFCON nursing an injury. Add new faces adjusting to international intensity, and a flat performance suddenly makes sense.

Crucially, Broos knows reinforcements are on the way. Several key players are set to join the camp days before the Angola opener, giving the coaching staff time for what he calls the “finishing touch”.

Experience That Was Missing Two Years Ago

One of Broos’ biggest sources of confidence lies in Bafana’s recent journey. This is no longer a team learning how to cope with expectation. From grinding World Cup qualifiers to high-pressure encounters against Nigeria and Rwanda, South Africa have already proven they can hold their nerve.

AFCON pressure, Broos believes, will be different this time. Opponents now approach Bafana with respect rather than surprise, and that shift demands mental toughness.

Fans React With Cautious Optimism

On social media, reactions were mixed. Some supporters voiced concern over the lack of urgency, while others pointed out that results matter more than rhythm in December friendlies. Mbule’s goal drew widespread praise, with many fans calling for him to play a central role in Morocco.

The Real Test Starts In Marrakesh

If the Ghana match was about survival, the Angola clash will be about identity. Broos is betting that when the lights come on and the pressure rises, his team will follow the same pattern they have before: quiet preparation, then a timely surge.

For now, Bafana head to AFCON with questions still hanging in the air. But if their coach is right, the answers are coming exactly when they matter most.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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