Bafana not AFCON favourites, says Hugo Broos | OneFootball

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Broos downplays Bafana AFCON chances

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says his team is not among favourites to lift the coveted Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Morocco.

South Africa open their campaign with a clash against Angola on Monday (19h00), before facing record seven-time African champions Egypt four days later and Zimbabwe on 29 December.

Despite Bafana's exploits in the previous AFCON, the Belgian mentor dismissed the notion that his troops are favorites to win the continental showpiece and explained why the edition in North Africa will be even tougher.

“It's always very dangerous to put yourself as a favorite. I think this is something the media has to do or the supporters. The only thing I can say is that this AFCON will be tougher than the one in Ivory Coast,” Broos said.

"It's because I don't think that the big countries will make the same mistake like they did in Ivory Coast. As you remember, many big countries were not qualified [for the knockout stage] and were soon out of the tournament.

"I think of Egypt, I think of Cameroon, I think of Ghana, Morocco, and so on. This will not happen now, I think they learnt their lesson in the last AFCON. So, that means what is normal in a tournament like this - all the big teams will be there after the group stages.

He continued: "So, that means it will be very tough to win, this AFCON, so I will not tell you that South Africa is favorites. I think if you can pick your favorite then it's Morocco because Morocco is a very good team and playing at home.

"But all the rest, it will be a challenge, so we will see already after the group stages which teams are still there and then maybe we can change our opinion. But for the moment you will not hear me saying that South Africa is one of the favorites.

Though he downplays his team's chances, Broos and his charges will be undoubtedly aiming to go all the way, having secured a Bronze medal two years ago.