Egyptian football legend Mohamed Aboutrika has slammed South Africa head coach Hugo Broos, calling out the Belgian for what he described as “arrogant” complaints about the organisation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Aboutrika’s remarks came on the heels of Bafana Bafana’s 2‑1 Round of 16 defeat to Cameroon, ending a campaign that had shown promise but ultimately fell short.
South Africa, who had advanced from Group B with a spirited effort, saw their journey cut short in Morocco.
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While Broos had been praised for getting the most out of his squad in previous competitions, this tournament brought a different tone from the coach , one that does not sit well with many observers particularly from South Africa.
Bafana Bafana boss sparks controversy with criticism of tournament atmosphere and logistics
The controversy stems from a series of comments Broos made throughout the competition criticising what he saw as a lack of atmosphere and logistical shortcomings. Ahead of South Africa’s final group match, Broos said
I do not feel the same atmosphere here as in Gabon or Côte d’Ivoire. When we went with the bus to training, people were waving flags and greeting us. Here, there is nothing , there is no typical AFCON vibe,” reflecting his belief that this tournament lacked the energy of past editions.
Broos didn’t stop at the vibe. In the build‑up to the knockout stage, he openly questioned organisational decisions regarding training logistics, explaining
We are 45 minutes away from our training pitch… such things don’t make me happy. In a tournament like the AFCON, training pitches can be closer to the hotel than 45 minutes away… I have to say this because it makes me unhappy, and I have to tell you that I’m not happy about it,” suggesting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could have done better.”
Aboutrika criticises Broos after South Africa’s AFCON 2025 elimination
These remarks especially coming from a coach of Broos’ stature clearly frustrated Aboutrika.
“Honestly, I want Hugo Broos to be knocked out. The arrogance is obvious, and his comments are very irritating. Everyone is praising the stadiums and the organisation, yet he’s the only one criticising,” Aboutrika said, dismissing Broos’ observations.
The Egyptian icon also addressed the coach’s comments on travel time;
“He complains about taking 45 minutes from the hotel to the training ground, even though you finished second in your group and threw away top spot. No one else complained like this. It clearly shows arrogance,” Aboutrika added.
Aboutrika concluded his critique with a broader reflection on leadership in the game
“Honestly, I want him out of the tournament. I don’t like arrogance, especially when everyone is going in one direction, and you’re going the opposite way.”
For South Africa, the exit is a sobering end to what had been a competitive but shaky campaign.
After finishing second in the group stages with memorable moments, Bafana Bafana will now turn their focus to rebuilding and assessing what went wrong in the knockout round ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the flip side, Aboutrika’s Egypt have progressed to face Benin in the Round of 16, keeping alive their ambition of clinching a record‑extending eighth AFCON title.