AFCON 2023: ‘We deserved final slot’ – South African coach laments missed chances

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of the South African senior men’s national team, Hugo Broos says his team deserves to be at the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ahead of Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana faltered 4-2 on penalties to the Super Eagles in the semi-final in Bouake on Monday and the Belgian coach was disappointed about not progressing to the final despite playing well.

“It’s a big disappointment for everyone because we feel that we played a very good game not only today but we played a very good AFCON,” said Broos in the press conference after the match.

“And I’m very, very proud of it. I’m proud of my players, the disappointment is this but the proudness is that. What they did, what they performed, not only today I think you have to be proud as a coach.

“So, yes it’s a defeat and you see you played a very bad game with Cape Verde and you won with penalties and today you played a very good game against Nigeria and you lost with penalties.

“That’s also football. But again I think we only have to think about the way we played this AFCON. And I know that everyone knows South Africa now as a good [ball] playing team, and that is the most important thing.”

With the result, the 1996 champions will focus on Saturday’s third-place match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).