South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has openly expressed his disappointment with the atmosphere surrounding the ongoing AFCON 2025, insisting the tournament lacks the unique energy that has long defined Africa’s flagship football competition.
Speaking candidly, the Belgian coach compared the current experience unfavourably with previous editions in Ivory Coast and Gabon, where he says the passion of the people elevated the competition beyond the football itself.
“I don’t feel the same vibe I felt in Ivory Coast and in Gabon, where every second of the tournament you felt you were in a tournament,” Broos said. “There is no vibe. There is no typical AFCON vibe.”
Broos acknowledged that the technical and organisational aspects of the competition are in place, with functional stadiums and matchday logistics running smoothly. However, he stressed that AFCON’s soul lies in the engagement of supporters, something he believes is currently missing.
“Really, it’s cool if we play the game, there are stadiums and everything you want,” he added. “But in Ivory Coast there was crowd in the stadiums and they were involved.”
The 71-year-old further highlighted the contrast in the off-field experience, recalling how teams were embraced by fans during past tournaments — a feeling he says has not been replicated this time around.
“When we went with a bus to train, people were waving and they were with flags. Here, you see nothing.”
Broos’ remarks have sparked fresh debate about fan engagement and host-country atmosphere at major tournaments, with many observers agreeing that the colour, noise and emotion of the supporters are central to AFCON’s identity. As the competition progresses, questions remain over whether the tournament can still ignite the passion that has made AFCON one of the most vibrant spectacles in world football.