In a blunt statement before the final 2025 AFCON qualifiers, South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos shared his must-win priorities, acknowledging Uganda’s strong form but stressing the critical need to beat South Sudan.
“You know, if we lose both games, five minutes later I will be on the flight back to Belgium,” Broos told TimesLive.
“If we can’t win…OK, with Uganda [we can lose], but not with South Sudan. I would take the flight immediately and you’d never see me back again.”
South Africa’s qualifying journey has them trailing Uganda in Group K, where the Cranes lead with 10 points, while Bafana Bafana hold 8.
Their campaign has been tight; South Africa needed late goals in both the 2-2 draw with Uganda and their narrow 3-2 win over South Sudan in Juba.
Now, with Uganda aiming to secure top position, South Africa can’t afford a slip-up.
With Uganda hosting South Africa on November 15 and Broos’s squad wrapping up against South Sudan on November 19, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“It would be a shame if we didn’t qualify for AFCON,” Broos admitted, citing the bronze medal South Africa won nine months ago. “We cannot accept missing out on this tournament.”
For Broos, it’s clear: missing points against South Sudan could jeopardize their spot in Morocco, while a loss to Uganda could still leave the door open—especially if Congo Brazzaville struggles.
