South Africans have expressed an overwhelming feeling of pride, despite Bafana Bafana’s semi-final African Cup of Nations (AFCON) loss to Nigeria in Bouake, Ivory Coast, last night.
Hugo Broos’ chargers lost in a penalty shoot-out after the match ended 1-all after 120 minutes.
The Nigerian goal in the 67th minute by captain William Troost-Ekong and Bafana’s in the 86th minute courtesy of Teboho Mokoena, came through penalties. But after 120 minutes of play, the score remained 1-all and the match would be decided on penalties.
Nigeria won that battle, 4-2, to hand South Africa another heartbreaking AFCON defeat, But Broos says his players have made their mark on the international stage.
“It’s a big disappointment for everyone because we feel that we played a very good game not only today, that we played a very good AFCON. And I’m very, very proud of it. I’m proud of my players. The disappointment is this, but the proudness is that.”
Broos’ pride in his boys was echoed by former players and supporters alike.
Addressing the players after the match SAFA President, Danny Jordaan praised the team for their efforts.
“All of you performed according to the script. You’ve done a magnificent job. So ja, your heads are down when we lose but we must move on and lift the spirit again.”
Former player, Siphiwe Tshabalala says he hopes the national team will build on their AFCON performances.
“We’re sad because we wanted to win but the journey continues and I hope that from here, we move into the next step. We are not regressing, there are a lot of positives we can build from this.”
