Bafana don’t have to be afraid of any team in Africa, says Broos
27 March 2024 - 17:52
by Mahlatse Mphahlele
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Bafana Bafana’s Themba Zwane celebrates one of his goals wirth teammates in the Fifa Series international friendly match against Algeria at Stade Nelson Mandela in Algiers on Tuesday night. Picture: DJAFFAR LADJAL/BACKPAGEPIX
Hugo Broos says his team’s 3-3 Fifa Series friendly draw with Algeria in Algiers on Tuesday is another indication Bafana Bafana are no longer afraid of anyone on the continent.
Bafana are riding the crest of a wave having earned their best finish in 24 years of third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast. They recovered from the disappointment of drawing 1-1 with 164th-ranked minnows Andorra last Thursday with a share of the spoils against fancied 43rd-ranked Algeria in the six-goal thriller in front of a packed house of their own fans at the 40,000-seat Stade Nelson Mandela.
Though SA failed to protect their lead twice against the Fennec Foxes, their performance will serve as another morale booster before their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June.
“What a game. It was a fantastic game from both teams but the performance of SA was really good,” Bafana coach Broos said.
Themba Zwane with a bit of magic to give Bafana Bafana the lead 🤩✨
“We played against a strong team and I don’t think there was much difference in quality. That means we have made a lot of progress over the past months. We showed it at Afcon and we did it again against Algeria and we don’t have to be afraid of any team in Africa any more.”
Broos was impressed with the confidence and camaraderie of his players, who, as they did at the Nations Cup, fought for each other in hostile away conditions.
“The team has confidence; what I saw at Afcon is not only a team being together on the pitch but also outside the pitch and this is important. We have 22 players but there are only 11 who can play and you see those guys on the bench supporting those on the pitch.
“This is a good thing and when you see it as a coach you can only be happy. They show togetherness on the pitch, they show they are a team and everyone does his job. They want to win the game and the mentality is good.”
FT | 🇩🇿 ALG 3-3 RSA 🇿🇦
Bafana Bafana and Algeria play out a six-goal thriller in Algiers 💥
Broos handed a number of opportunities to players on the fringes in the two matches in Algeria. He said some had done enough to be considered for the World Cup qualifiers.
“Without mentioning names, I think there are some players who have convinced me and they will be there again during the World Cup qualifiers in June.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Bafana don’t have to be afraid of any team in Africa, says Broos
Hugo Broos says his team’s 3-3 Fifa Series friendly draw with Algeria in Algiers on Tuesday is another indication Bafana Bafana are no longer afraid of anyone on the continent.
Bafana are riding the crest of a wave having earned their best finish in 24 years of third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast. They recovered from the disappointment of drawing 1-1 with 164th-ranked minnows Andorra last Thursday with a share of the spoils against fancied 43rd-ranked Algeria in the six-goal thriller in front of a packed house of their own fans at the 40,000-seat Stade Nelson Mandela.
Though SA failed to protect their lead twice against the Fennec Foxes, their performance will serve as another morale booster before their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June.
“What a game. It was a fantastic game from both teams but the performance of SA was really good,” Bafana coach Broos said.
“We played against a strong team and I don’t think there was much difference in quality. That means we have made a lot of progress over the past months. We showed it at Afcon and we did it again against Algeria and we don’t have to be afraid of any team in Africa any more.”
Broos was impressed with the confidence and camaraderie of his players, who, as they did at the Nations Cup, fought for each other in hostile away conditions.
“The team has confidence; what I saw at Afcon is not only a team being together on the pitch but also outside the pitch and this is important. We have 22 players but there are only 11 who can play and you see those guys on the bench supporting those on the pitch.
“This is a good thing and when you see it as a coach you can only be happy. They show togetherness on the pitch, they show they are a team and everyone does his job. They want to win the game and the mentality is good.”
Broos handed a number of opportunities to players on the fringes in the two matches in Algeria. He said some had done enough to be considered for the World Cup qualifiers.
“Without mentioning names, I think there are some players who have convinced me and they will be there again during the World Cup qualifiers in June.”
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