South Africa coach Hugo Broos
South Africa coach Hugo Broos believes the continent’s traditional heavyweights will make a stronger impact at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations but refused to label his side as title contenders.
The Bafana Bafana, who finished third at the previous tournament, begin their campaign on Monday against Angola in their Group B opener.
South Africa have been drawn alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.
“It’s always very dangerous to put yourself forward as a favorite,” Broos told a pre-match news conference on Sunday.
“I think that is something for the media or the supporters. The only thing I can say is that this AFCON will be tougher than the one in Ivory Coast.
“And you know why? Because I don’t think the big countries will make the same mistakes they did two years ago. As you remember, many big teams failed to qualify for the later knockout rounds or were eliminated early.”
Broos cited Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana and Morocco as teams unlikely to repeat past failings.
“That will not happen now. I think they learned their lesson from the last AFCON,” he said.
The Belgian coach tipped hosts Morocco as the team to beat, while stressing how difficult it is to win the tournament.
“If you want to name a favorite, it’s Morocco, because they are a very good team and they are playing at home. For the rest, it will be a challenge.
“We will see after the group stage which teams are still there and then maybe we can change our opinion. But for the moment, you will not hear me saying South Africa are among the favorites,” he concluded.
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