Four-Year AFCON Cycle Will Allow Teams to Focus Better on the Tournament - Broos

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has publicly backed the Confederation of African Football’s decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations from a biennial tournament to a four-year cycle, describing the change as a positive step for the development of African football.

Broos spoke ahead of South Africa’s second group-stage match against Egypt in Agadir, arguing that the new format would reduce pressure on players and ease recurring conflicts between clubs and national teams.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed last week that the new schedule will take effect from 2028, with AFCON no longer held every two years.

Broos believes the adjustment will allow teams to plan more effectively and strengthen their competitiveness on the global stage, including at the FIFA World Cup.

“I think it’s a really good thing, and now teams will be able to focus more on AFCON. Right now, in the back of your mind is the World Cup in six months,” he said.

Drawing on his experience as Cameroon coach, Broos recalled leading the Indomitable Lions to AFCON success in 2017 despite missing several key players who were not released by their European clubs.

He noted that the tournament exposed the strain placed on squads by the two-year cycle, which he believes has often worked against national team preparation and continuity.

Looking ahead to the clash with Egypt, Broos acknowledged the strength of the Pharaohs, who boast high-profile players such as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush.

Despite the challenge, he expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness. “We all know what kind of team Egypt is. They have some amazing players like Salah and Marmoush, so we know them well, but we are confident and looking forward to it,” he said.

The encounter is one of several headline fixtures in the second round of group matches, featuring teams that have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Broos added that South Africa’s opening 2–1 win over Angola has boosted belief within the squad and placed Bafana Bafana in a strong position ahead of what he described as their toughest group test.