Hugo Broos insisted he was satisfied with Bafana Bafana‘s display despite being held to a goalless draw by Nicaragua, admitting the result fell short of expectations but pointing to the circumstances as context.
“It will surprise you a bit when I say I’m happy with the performance of the team, even though the result was not what we expected,” the Belgian coach said.
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Broos was visibly frustrated by Nicaragua’s approach, criticising the Central Americans for offering nothing in an attacking sense and simply sitting deep and playing long.
“It was a very difficult game, against a very, very negative opponent – I don’t know what they came to do here, but it was just defending and kicking the ball in front.”
He acknowledged that a missed penalty proved costly, suggesting it could have changed the complexion of the match entirely.
Bafana’s task was further complicated late on by a string of injuries to Nicaragua players that disrupted the flow of the game.
“When you see the last 15 minutes, one after the other was injured, it’s like they played the final of the World Cup.”
Broos made clear the result should be viewed in its proper context, noting that this was never supposed to be a stern test.
“That was not the goal today for us; we’d like to have a good opponent who tries to play football, and that was not the case today. So a little bit disappointed about the opponent – but I’m happy with the performance of my team.
“Some of the new players, some for the first time with us – I think Sebelebele, Makhanya did well – also Maseko in the second half and the few others. It shows the deserved to be chosen, deserve to be with the team. It gives us more opportunities for next week and the World Cup.”
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