The head coach of the South African national football team, Hugo Broos, has expressed his deep disappointment after his team failed to reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the tournament after a thrilling 4-2 victory for the Super Eagles in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The match in Bouake had a dramatic finish, with a controversial decision by the referee to disallow a goal by Victor Osimhen that would have given Nigeria a 2-0 lead, and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.
Teboho Mokoena converted the spot kick in the 90th minute to force extra time, but despite a valiant effort, Mokoena and another South African player saw their spot-kicks saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles emerged victorious.
Broos commented on the outcome, saying, “Football can be very difficult and unpredictable. My team played very well but it’s sad we lost on penalties and we aren’t in the final, it’s hard to accept it because we played a very good game.”
South Africa will now face DR Congo in the third-place match scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2023.
