Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has insisted his side leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup with their heads high, but also need to learn crucial lessons from Sunday’s defeat to Canada.
Bafana battled the co-hosts for a long time in an intense match which produced little moments of magic on either side.
When it looked like the game was heading to extra-time, Stephen Eustaquio took advantage of a poor clearance to score the only goal of the match.
Broos stated in his post-match analysis that he felt Canada had more speed and power, which saw them win most of their duels on the day.
“You received a goal in the moment when the game is finished, it was two or three minutes to play,” he said on SABC3.
“It’s done in that moment and for Canada it was the right moment also to score.
“To be honest, today there was more speed and power in our opponent, and we lost many duels, certainly man against man duels because of the power.
“That is something that we have to work on in the next months, not only we but also all South African football that is not anymore playing tiki-take, but also the power and speed you need.
“I think we have an example today with out opponent.”
‘We didn’t have an answer for that’
Broos insisted his boys gave their all, it just wasn’t enough against a more powerful side at the SoFi Stadium in LA.
“Again, it’s power and speed. And we didn’t have an answer for that, or not enough,” he continued.
“That was the difference today. Again the boys did what they have to do. They played with a big heart and went to the limit.
“At end of the game I saw a few players who were at the end of their efforts. So it means they gave 100%.
“So we have to leave the tournament again, but it’s with a head up.”