Gayton McKenzie blasts Bafana Bafana’s missed chances after Afcon 2025 exit

Gayton McKenzie reacts to Bafana Bafana’s defeat at AFCON 2025

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has reacted strongly to Bafana Bafana’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, criticising the team’s wastefulness in front of goal following their 2–1 last-16 defeat to Cameroon on Sunday night.

South Africa’s Afcon campaign came to an end in Rabat after Hugo Broos’ side failed to capitalise on early dominance, squandering several clear scoring opportunities before being punished by a more clinical Cameroonian outfit.

In a candid post on social media, McKenzie expressed frustration at Bafana Bafana’s inability to convert chances, saying missed opportunities at that level were unacceptable.

“Missing a clear goal is understandable but missing multiple clear goals is inexcusable at this level,” he wrote.

The minister pointed to the opening stages of the match, where South Africa controlled proceedings and created chances that could have put the game beyond reach before halftime.

“@BafanaBafana should have wrapped this game up in the first half,” McKenzie added.

Despite his criticism, McKenzie struck a supportive tone, reminding the squad that the nation remains behind them and urging the players to take lessons from the defeat.

“We still love you boys but learn from this cos you going to a bigger stage soon,” he said.

Bafana Bafana had started brightly against Cameroon, with Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng and Samukele Kabini among those who failed to make the most of promising chances in the opening exchanges.

Cameroon weathered the early pressure before asserting themselves and securing progression to the quarterfinals, where they will face hosts Morocco.

South Africa’s exit extends their wait for a second Afcon title, with their only triumph coming in 1996. McKenzie’s comments echoed the sentiments of many supporters, who were left frustrated by what might have been had Bafana Bafana shown greater composure in front of goal.