Bafana not focused on individual Egypt stars – Broos

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Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos insists South Africa will focus on their own strengths rather than obsessing over Egypt’s star-studded attack when the two sides meet in a blockbuster Afcon 2025 Group B clash on Friday.

Egypt arrive with major firepower in Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, who both found the net in their opening 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.

But Broos made it clear that Bafana will not be tailoring their approach around individual opponents.

“We are focused on no one. The most important thing is the team,” Broos told reporters. “We all know how good Salah is, we all know how good Marmoush is, and we know the quality Egypt have. But why should we focus on one player? We have to be prepared to beat the team.”

South Africa also opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory, edging Angola thanks to a stunning winner from Lyle Foster, and Broos believes confidence is building within his squad.

“We have to put Egypt in difficult situations, and you can only do that when you use your own quality and the players you normally use,” he said. “We respect Egypt, but we are confident in ourselves.”

Broos, who famously led Cameroon to the Afcon title in 2017 by beating Egypt in the final, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

READ: Yeye backs Bafana to end AFCON wait

“We all know what kind of team Egypt is,” he added. “They are seven-time Afcon winners and record holders, so that means something. They also have amazing players. But on the other hand, we are looking forward to this game.”

Bafana striker Foster, who was named Man of the Match against Angola, echoed his coach’s sentiments and said spirits in camp remain high.

“The morale in the camp is good,” Foster said. “The first game was very important and getting maximum points helped a lot. The spirit is high, we are confident and ready for the next game.”

With both teams level on points, Friday’s encounter in Agadir could go a long way in shaping the Group B standings.

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

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Lindiz Vanzilla