South Africa Coach Highlights Low Crowds, Poor Organization, and Subdued Atmosphere.

Hugo Broos

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has openly criticized the atmosphere at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stating the tournament lacks the traditional “AFCON vibe” he experienced in previous editions.

The outspoken Belgian, who won the title with Cameroon in 2017 (Gabon) and guided Bafana Bafana to third place in 2023 (Ivory Coast), spoke on December 28, 2025, praising the modern stadiums but slamming the overall feel as “cool” and unenthusiastic.

Broos contrasted it sharply: “In Ivory Coast and Gabon, every second you felt you were in a tournament. People waved flags when buses passed; here, nothing. There is no vibe, no typical AFCON vibe.”

Key issues he highlighted:

  • Low attendance: Matches involving non-host teams, like South Africa vs. Zimbabwe or Angola, drew sparse crowds. “If entry isn’t free, nobody comes,” he said, noting fuller stands in past tournaments even for lesser games.
  • Organizational chaos: Broos recounted a frightening incident during the Egypt match, where his family (ticket-holders) faced barriers while non-ticketed crowds were allowed in. “My wife was scared… the organization is deplorable.”
  • Winter timing and weather: The tournament’s shift from summer to December/January (to avoid clashing with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup) brought persistent heavy rain – except on Christmas Day – and colder conditions, dampening turnout in a predominantly Muslim country.

Despite the gripes, Broos praised team facilities: excellent hotels, training pitches, and renovated stadiums preparing Morocco for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.

His comments have sparked debate, with some viewing them as excuses ahead of Bafana’s games, while others note touting issues and security measures affecting access. Even Morocco’s sold-out matches have shown empty seats at times.

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As the group stage wraps up, Broos’s candid take underscores challenges for this winter AFCON, great infrastructure, but missing that raw, passionate continental festival feel.