AFCON 2025: South Africa Coach Hugo Broos Slams Tournament Atmosphere in Morocco

AFCON 2025: South Africa Coach Hugo Broos Slams Tournament Atmosphere in Morocco

Sampson Adedeji 

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has launched a scathing criticism of the organization and atmosphere of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Morocco, insisting the tournament lacks the traditional spirit associated with previous editions, BSNSports.com.ng reports 

Speaking after his side’s group-stage outings, Broos compared the ongoing competition unfavorably with past AFCON tournaments hosted by Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire, where he believes fan engagement and overall atmosphere were significantly better.

“I don’t feel the same atmosphere as in Gabon or Côte d’Ivoire,” Broos said. “In Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon, you could really feel the atmosphere of a tournament. 

"When we took the bus to training, people were waving flags and greeting us. Here, there’s nothing.”

The Belgian tactician expressed disappointment over what he described as a complete absence of the typical AFCON vibe, noting that fan turnout at matches has been poor unless tickets are made free.

“There’s no atmosphere, none of the typical AFCON vibe. I don’t feel it here. If entry to the stadium isn’t free, no one comes to watch the matches,” he stated.

Broos cited South Africa’s group matches as examples, claiming the stands were largely empty during games against Zimbabwe and Angola, in stark contrast to previous tournaments.

“No one came to watch 

South Africa vs Zimbabwe, no one came to see our match against Angola. In Côte d’Ivoire, for our games against Mali, Tunisia and Namibia, the stands were full,” he added.

The former Cameroon coach also criticized the level of involvement of the host nation’s population, stressing that local support is a key element of a successful AFCON tournament.

“The local population was involved in the tournament there, something I don’t feel here,” Broos said.

In addition to atmosphere concerns, Broos raised serious issues regarding matchday organization, alleging inconsistencies in stadium access.

“People with tickets couldn’t get in, while crowds without tickets were allowed to enter,” he claimed.

Broos’ comments add to growing debates around the organization and fan engagement at AFCON 2025, as the tournament progresses into its decisive stages.