AFCON 2025: We have to take some precautions in Egypt clash â?? South Africa coach

Ahead of a decisive Africa Cup of Nations group stage encounter, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has signalled a tactically prudent approach, acknowledging that his team must implement specific precautions to navigate the considerable threat posed by Egypt.

The Bafana Bafana, buoyed by an opening victory, now face their toughest test in Group C against the seven-time champions. Broos's pre-match comments reveal a strategic shift, moving from the confident execution seen against Angola to a more measured and disciplined plan for a higher-calibre opponent.

“There are some precautions we have to take,” Broos stated, clearly outlining the different challenge Egypt presents. “It’s not a team like Zimbabwe; it’s not a team like Angola. This is a team a level higher.”

Crucially, Broos framed these necessary adjustments not as a surrender of South Africa’s identity, but as an intelligent adaptation. He balanced his caution with a call for continued self-belief, urging his squad, “We don’t have to forget our qualities. We don’t have to forget the way we played in the past.”

This philosophy extends to how South Africa views the Egyptian threat. Broos downplayed the idea of a singular focus on Salah, explaining, “They are such a good team. Why should we focus on one player?... For us, it’s the team that’s important.” This indicates that the ‘precautions’ are designed to neutralise Egypt’s collective mechanisms rather than just man-marking their star forward.

The match, which comes off at the Adrar Stadium at 15:00 GMT, presents South Africa with their first true test against continental elite in the tournament.

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