South Africa head coach Hugo Broos expressed disappointment however remained reflective after Bafana Bafana’s elimination from AFCON 2025, admitting that missed possibilities proved expensive of their Spherical of 16 defeat.
Talking after the match, the Belgian tactician — who beforehand coached Cameroon — felt his facet made a optimistic begin and had alternatives to vary the result of the sport.
“We began very effectively within the recreation and we had possibilities to attain. I believe if we had scored, we may by no means lose the sport,” Broos mentioned.
“We even had possibilities to attain two targets and get a draw, nevertheless it was not our day immediately.”
South Africa confirmed intent within the opening phases and fought again late within the match, however in the end fell quick as their AFCON marketing campaign got here to an finish within the knockout part. The defeat prolonged Bafana Bafana’s wait for an additional continental title, with their final AFCON triumph coming in 1996.
Broos’ feedback highlighted the effective margins that outline knockout soccer, the place dominance or optimistic play doesn’t at all times translate into victory. Regardless of the frustration, the coach acknowledged his staff’s effort and the moments that would have altered the course of the competition.
The previous Cameroon coach, who famously led the Indomitable Lions to AFCON glory in 2017, will now flip his consideration to rebuilding and getting ready South Africa for future competitions, as Bafana Bafana look to transform promise into progress on the continental stage.
In Could 2021, Broos was appointed as the pinnacle coach of Bafana Bafana. His first main event was the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the place South Africa positioned third.
In 2025, Broos led the staff to World Cup qualification, regardless of a number of hiccups alongside the way in which.
