Bafana Bafana start their Group B campaign against Angola in Marrakech on Monday, and Broos is cautious over their chances, despite his side not having been beaten on the field of play since their opener to the last tournament in Ivory Coast against Mali in January 2024.
“It’s always very dangerous to put yourself as a favourite,” Broos said on Sunday. “I think this is something that has to be done by media or by supporters. The only thing I can say is that this AFCON will be tougher than the one in the Ivory Coast.
“And you know why? Because I don’t think that the big countries will make the same mistake they did (two years ago). As you remember, many big countries were not qualified (for the later knockout rounds) or were soon out of the tournament.
“I think of Egypt, I think of Cameroon, I think of Ghana, Morocco and so on. That will not happen now. I think they learned their lesson the last AFCON.”
Broos might not be willing to put his side forward as among the favourites but is clear on who he thinks should win the tournament.
“So that means that normally, but what is normal in a tournament like this, but normally all the big teams will be there after the group stages. So that means it will be very tough to win this AFCON.
“I think if you can call a favourite, it’s Morocco, because they are a very good team and playing at home. For all the rest, it will be a challenge.
“We will see after the group stages which teams are still there. And then maybe we can change our opinion. But now for the moment, you will not hear me saying that South Africa is one of the favourites.”
Bafana Bafana last lifted the Cup of Nations title on home soil in 1996.