South African football fans reacted with a mix of optimism and caution after Bafana Bafana were drawn against Uganda, Congo Brazzaville, and South Sudan in Group K for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The draw, held in Johannesburg on Thursday, offered Bafana Bafana, fresh off their impressive bronze medal finish at the 2023 AFCON, a seemingly straightforward path to qualification.
“On paper, this is a good draw for Bafana,” said SABC Sport analyst, Matthew Mahlangu. “These are all beatable teams, and it gives us a chance to build momentum going into the tournament.”
However, South African fans, scarred by past disappointments, remain wary of underestimating their opponents. Many took to social media to express their concerns.
“We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves,” tweeted a supporter named Lerato Mphahlele. “Every team wants to qualify for AFCON, and there are no easy games anymore.”
Others pointed to Bafana Bafana’s inconsistent record in qualifiers, urging the team not to take their foot off the gas.
“We need to see a ruthless Bafana Bafana,” commented Siyabonga Nkosi. “Let’s win all our home games and get the job done early.”
Coach Hugo Broos will be looking to capitalize on the positive momentum from the 2023 AFCON and ensure a smooth qualification process.
The qualifiers kick off in September 2024, giving Bafana Bafana ample time to prepare and secure their place at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
While the group may appear favorable on paper, the true test for Bafana Bafana will be on the pitch.
Can they avoid complacency and secure their place among Africa’s elite? Only time will tell.