Bafana targeted at AFCON, says Ronwen Williams | OneFootball

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Williams believes Bafana have target on the back

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams says his team is being targeted in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), owing to their exploits in the previous edition.

South Africa secured the Bronze medal in Ivory Coast, which raised eyebrows as Hugo Broos' men were not expected to reach the latter stages of the continental showpiece.

What's more, Bafana are currently enjoying a 27-match unbeaten run and Williams believes the team's impressive performances in the past few years have now made them a target in Morocco.

“Obviously, people know what South Africa, the team is about now. We've been unbeaten for the last two years, and along the way we've beaten some big boys as well - we've beaten Morocco, we haven't lost to Nigeria, we played two draws,” said the Bafana skipper.

"So, obviously people will take a keen interest to Bafana Bafana now to see that there is a team that can perform, that can play against the best. We know this AFCON is a bit different, we know that we have a target on our back.

The experienced shot-stopper urged his teammates to up the ante as Bafana seek their second AFCON title, having reigned supreme in 1996.

“People will obviously do their analysis on us but it's a good headache to have for us because now we know the level has increased, so that means we need to increase our level as well if we want to compete and have a good tournament,” Williams added.

"We need to double our efforts from the previous AFCON. Yes, we had a wonderful AFCON but now it's time to double our efforts because it's not going to be easy. I think you can't put one name [as favorites], there's so many teams that can win the AFCON and obviously we are one of them.

"So, it will be difficult but we are ready for the challenge, we know it's going to be hard but we are up for it and we enjoy the pressure, we enjoy the challenges and it will only improve us as a team and as individual players as well.

Broos' charges will return to action with a clash against seven-time African champions Egypt on Friday, 26 December, with both teams having won their respective opening matches in Group B.