What was meant to be a defining year for South African football has instead begun with doubt, as Bafana Bafana’s last-16 exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) raised uncomfortable questions about their readiness for the challenges still to come.
South Africa were knocked out of the tournament with a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon, their second loss of the campaign and one that proved decisive. The result ended Bafana’s AFCON journey prematurely and saw them fail to build on the momentum of their impressive third-place finish at the previous edition.
Perhaps more worrying than the result itself was the contrast between the side that impressed during the Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the one that took to the field at this tournament.
While Bafana showed flashes of quality during the group stages, they lacked the sharpness and authority required at the highest level, falling short in moments that demanded composure and ruthlessness in a competition meant to underline their status among Africa’s elite.
With time now available to reflect before attention turns firmly to the upcoming World Cup campaign, this AFCON outing leaves several key issues that demand scrutiny. Here, we unpack three major talking points following their elimination.
Makgopa came on and made a difference for Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦💪
Who would you start for the #FIFAWorldCup opener on the 11th of June? 💭#SSFootball | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/X44JLpr7sW
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 5, 2026
Inconsistency and a lack of clinical edge at both ends
There was an expectation that Bafana would show clear progression from one tournament to the next, especially after a largely positive 2025 that raised belief around the squad. Instead, that growth failed to materialise. Conceding six goals in four matches highlighted defensive frailties, while a lack of control and conviction was evident across all departments.
At times, the team lacked the cohesion and understanding that had defined their recent success. Even in victories against Angola and Zimbabwe, South Africa struggled to fully impose themselves, often doing just enough rather than asserting dominance.
The defeat to Cameroon stings the most as the South African enjoyed long spells of control and created opportunities, but their inability to convert chances proved costly, and they were ultimately punished for their wastefulness.
Questionable selections and changes
The inclusion of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Relebohile Mofokeng brought renewed energy and balance to the side, evident in Bafana’s positive start and extended periods of control.
Both players, however, arrived at the tournament lacking consistent club minutes, and while their performances were solid, greater match sharpness may have helped them deal more effectively with key moments.
It ends with defeat for Bafana Bafana. We fought hard but it was not to be pic.twitter.com/CmDO8PlZ8S
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 4, 2026
In hindsight, certain selections and in-game adjustments — both on the night and across the tournament — could have been handled differently to improve the team’s overall prospects, an area that will require careful reflection going forward.
Moving past the disappointment
There were still encouraging signs to take from the campaign. Despite not always being at their fluent best, Bafana were competitive and often superior to their opponents across all four matches, providing a platform on which they can build as they shift focus toward the World Cup.
THis AFCON should leave Bafana with invaluable experience ahead of the global showpiece in June.
As attention turns to the road ahead, it will be crucial for Hugo Broos to address the shortcomings exposed at AFCON, as lessons left unlearned now could prove costly against even stronger challenges to come.
