Uganda head coach Paul Put says Themba Zwane was playing on an island in the first half as South Africa controlled the game.
Zwane, who was captaining the side, was central to the impressive opening half display as Bafana Bafana went into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to Lyle Foster.
It should have been more, admittedly from both Put and Broos in the post-match press conference as Uganda fought back with long-range goals in the second half from Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato.
“I think we showed too much respect in the opening half, your number 11 [Themba Zwane] was playing on an island, he could receive the ball, he could turn, he could do everything possible, he was making the game, he was playing,” Put said.
“That was not supposed to be possible, we have been showing videos [to our team] of the key players of South Africa and saying if you perform like this in a decent level in Africa, then we expect more [from our squad]. So we changed our mentality to [combat Bafana] more aggressivity and more [attacking].”
The Belgian coach said their first half was appalling but was left pleased that they managed to regroup at the break and despite losing two points with Thalente Mbatha’s 95th-minute equaliser he said they’ll take a point away from home.
“We were very lucky in the first half because we were not in the game, we were nowhere, I didn’t recognise my players, they were playing like children, too much respect for the South Africans, we were lucky to concede only one goal,” Put said about the game.
“We did some talks in the dressing room at half time and I told them we need to do something else, I want to see the real Uganda – like we played against Botswana and Algeria. We saw a much better team in the second half with aggression and mentality.
“We scored by long-distance shots, but that’s football – but at the beginning of the match, if you could sign for a draw in South Africa, you would be happy. Now it’s a bit of a hard feeling because we conceded with a minute to go, which would have been three points.
“It’s not always the best teams who win, but I’m proud of that second half, my players, showing football in the second half, now that point in South Africa, we can only celebrate if we get a good result at home against Congo, so let’s hope we can perform well, it’s a long journey to go.”
