Broos Confident Bafana Can Upset Egypt
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged Egypt’s pedigree ahead of the two sides’ Boxing Day clash but insists his team is confident they can produce something special.
Bafana Bafana will face the record seven-time AFCON champions at Stade d’Agadir on Friday, looking to build on their opening Group B victory over Angola earlier this week.
After Bafana secured a 2–1 win in their opening match of the continental tournament in Marrakech, Egypt followed suit later on Monday, coming from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2–1. Goals from English-based stars Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah saw the Pharaohs move to the top of Group B.
“We all know what kind of team Egypt are; they are a very good side,” Broos said at a press conference on Thursday.
“They are seven-time AFCON winners and the record holders, so that means something. They also have some amazing players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
“So we know them well, but on the other hand, we are confident. Once again, we are really looking forward to playing this game tomorrow.”
Friday’s encounter will be a repeat of the 1998 AFCON final in Ouagadougou, where Egypt secured their fourth continental crown with a 2–0 victory. Ahmed Hassan and Tarek Mostafa scored in the fifth and 13th minutes respectively.
Despite having won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, Egypt have not lifted the trophy since 2010. They have since lost two finals — in 2017 to Hugo Broos’ Cameroon side and again in 2022 to Senegal.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster, who scored the winning goal and was named Man of the Match against Angola, said the squad is in high spirits following their opening victory.
“The morale in the camp is good. As the coach said, the first game was very important, and it was crucial for us to get maximum points,” said the Burnley forward.
“I think that result helped us a lot heading into the rest of the tournament. The morale in camp is good, the spirit is high, and we are confident and ready for the next game.”
