The Irresistible Allure of National Team Football in Africa
A few years ago, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana struggled to fill stadiums. The few fans who bothered to attend often turned against the team when results didn’t go their way.
The national jersey lost its sacredness, and players found convenient excuses to skip call-ups. Then came Hugo Broos. Suddenly, the stands were full again. The Bafana jersey regained its prestige. Players once reluctant to represent their country were now eager to be part of the squad.
In West Africa, the mood was grim when Ghana’s Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. Furious fans turned their backs on the team, some cursing it as a waste of time and resources.
But football has a way of mending broken hearts. Months later, those same supporters flooded the stadium to witness Ghana dismantle Chad 5-0 in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, in East Africa, Kenya hosted Gabon in a home game for the first time in two years. Anticipation was so high that tickets sold out a day before the match—an unprecedented moment in Kenyan football history.
Across the continent, national teams playing at home during the current FIFA window have enjoyed massive support, Rwanda included.
African football fans, often seen as club football enthusiasts first and English Premier League Mascots, have shown once again that when their national teams are involved, the passion is unmatched.
To be honest, I can’t even tell if there has been action in Europe or South America. Right now, all eyes are on Africa.
