South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos has assessed the atmosphere surrounding the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the tournament lacks the energy and identity traditionally associated with AFCON.

Speaking candidly after his side’s latest outing, Broos compared the current environment to previous editions in Ivory Coast and Gabon, where he believes the tournament spirit was impossible to miss.

According to the Belgian tactician, AFCON has always been about more than football, it is the sights, sounds and constant engagement of fans that make it special.

“I don’t feel the same vibe I felt in Ivory Coast or Gabon. There is no vibe here; there is no typical AFCON atmosphere. It’s fine that we play the games and have the stadiums and everything we need, but something is missing,” he said.

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Broos pointed to the visible contrast in fan participation, recalling how packed stadiums and street celebrations defined previous tournaments.

He explained that during earlier AFCON editions, supporters lined the streets, waved flags and followed teams to training grounds, creating a carnival-like mood around the competition.

“That’s what made AFCON unique. When we took the bus to training, people were waving and carrying flags. Here, you see nothing,” he added.



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