South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, expressed his disappointment after his team’s 2-4 loss on penalty kicks against Nigeria in the semi-final encounter of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite falling behind early, the Bafana Bafana fought back to level the game, ultimately taking it to extra time.
Reflecting on the defeat, Broos believed his team performed admirably and deserved to win the match.
“Football can be cruel sometimes. Looking at my team’s performance today, and then to lose in penalty kicks, it’s tough to accept,” Broos remarked.
“We played exceptionally well today. I believe we were the stronger team in the first half, creating more opportunities. Nigeria hardly had any chances. In the second half, they capitalized on a few opportunities, and although we adjusted tactically and managed to equalize, it wasn’t enough.”
Broos emphasized that if his team had converted their chances, they would have secured a spot in the final instead of Nigeria.
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Despite the disappointment, Broos commended his team for their overall performance throughout the tournament.
“It’s a huge disappointment for everyone involved. However, I am proud of my players. We’ve had a fantastic tournament. The sorrow lies in not reaching the final, but the pride remains in our commendable performance,” Broos concluded.
South Africa will now compete against DR Congo in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
(NAN)