Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has backed South Africa's national football team Bafana Bafana as one of the favourites to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Toure, who was captain of the Ivory Coast national team, has chosen South Africa as one of five countries with a chance of becoming champions. He praised South Africa for their excellent performance in the qualifiers, placing them alongside the likes of Senegal and Morocco.
South Africa qualified in the 34th Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with two wins, one draw and one defeat to enter the main draw as second in Group K. Another key player for South Africa's Bafana Bafana team is Percy Tau, the current champion of the best African club player at the 2023 CAF awards. Tao has been in excellent form since joining Egyptian side Ahmadr and recently led the team to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
His attacking prowess is expected to play a key role in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos was hit by a key player who was unable to play. The 50-man preliminary squad for the Africa Cup of Nations has been criticized by fans, with the team losing one of its most reliable players. Despite this setback, Toure's support and the talent of players like Tao give South Africa hope that they will be able to surprise the Africa Cup of Nations final and lift the trophy.