Former Zimbabwe international and Kaizer Chiefs striker Matthew Rusike
has cautioned Bafana Bafana against complacency, stating they are not the
favorites in a challenging Africa Cup of Nations Group B.
Despite South Africa’s third-place finish in the previous AFCON, Rusike
believes the group dynamics are more complex. Bafana will open their
campaign against Angola on December 22, face heavyweights Egypt on December
26, and conclude the group stage against Zimbabwe on December 29.
In an interview with the Siya crew, Rusike downplayed South Africa’s favored
status. “AFCON is a difficult tournament for any team. I think South Africa
want to believe that they are group favorites, but in the eyes of me and in
the eyes of a lot of people, they are not,” he stated.
He pointed to the location and the quality of opponents as significant
factors. “The reality is, the tournament is in North Africa, Egypt has a
great squad as well. South Africa have been doing well of late… but it’s
not going to be as easy for them to just get out of the group.”
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s recent performance—a draw against Bafana in the 2026
FIFA World Cup qualifiers—Rusike emphasized that no game would be
straightforward. “Zimbabwe, it won’t be easy; Angola, of course. These are
difficult games. We saw Bafana were not able to beat Zimbabwe recently. So
in football, the ball can go either way.”
Concluding his analysis, Rusike identified Egypt as the group frontrunners
but insisted every team has a chance. “I think every team stands a chance of
getting out of that group, but I think the Egyptians are the favourites…
It is not as simple as it seems,” he added.
