Ronwen Williams makes bullish Bafana AFCON claim | OneFootball

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Williams on Bafana AFCON ambitions

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams has made a bold statement about his team's prospects in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside the mighty Pharaohs of Egypt, who boast a record seven continental titles, neighbours Zimbabwe, and Angola, their opening opponents on Monday (19h00).

Hugo Broos' side secured bronze in the last edition and have yet to taste defeat since, but Williams is quick to downplay their favourites tag, instead putting the spotlight on hosts Morocco.

“I think we've obviously had a wonderful two years. I think we've been unbeaten since the previous AFCON, we've been on a very good run but there are so many factors that go into winning this tournament. It's not an easy tournament to win, it's so hard,” said the Bafana skipper.

“But we believe that we can go a step further, we've got the ability, we've got the quality. But we need to show up and we need to showcase how far we've come as a team. But I think the favourites will always be the host nation - it's for them to lose.

Even though the experienced shot-stopper rates the Atlas Lions as clear favourites for the coveted crown, he insists the Bafana camp is determined to go all the way to the final and lift the trophy.

“But we believe that we can go all the way. For us, our objective is to go a step further than the previous AFCON and that is to show growth and that means we go all the way to lift it - that is everyone's dream, but you need a little bit more and you need luck along the way as well,” Williams added.

"So, we believe that we can give a good account of ourselves and we'll just go out there and fight, have the same spirit and mentality that we've had over the last few years, which has carried us through and put us on this wonderful path.

"So, we'll just go out there and take it one game at a time, give our all, and hopefully the football gods will bless South Africa with the AFCON trophy.