‘We are happy with the point’ - South Africa head coach Hugo Broos proud of the draw against Nigeria
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Hugo Broos proud of the draw against Nigeria || Imago

‘We are happy with the point’ - South Africa head coach Hugo Broos proud of the draw against Nigeria

Stephen Oladehinde 10:50 - 08.06.2024

Hugo Broos, the coach of South Africa, expressed satisfaction with his team's draw against Nigeria in their thrilling 2026 World Cup qualifier.

On Friday night, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, South Africa played a 1-1 draw against Nigeria.

South Africa opened the scoring in the 29th minute from T Zwane before Dele Bashiru got the Super Eagles back on level terms in the 46th minute. 

With four points from three games, South Africa is now in fourth place in Group C, three points behind unexpected leaders Lesotho, following the draw.

Broos on South Africa’s draw

Broos claimed he is proud of his team's performance and satisfied with a draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

According to Timelive, Broos said, “First of all I think the result of a draw is correct, we had our chances and Nigeria had their chances.

Hugo Broos, South Africa head coach || Imago
Hugo Broos, South Africa head coach || Imago

“I have to congratulate my players. As you know or you don’t know, we had terrible travel to Nigeria on Wednesday. We were only in bed at 2am on Thursday, so we travelled for 20 hours. 

“When you see the mentality of the players, I can only be proud because it was a tough game against a good team.

“In the first half, I think we played fantastic football, we had some chances and we could have scored a goal. It was a little bit unlucky from our side that after two minutes in the second half we conceded the goal and from there you know it was going to be difficult.

South Africa players celebrating || Imago
South Africa players celebrating || Imago

“We fought from the 46th to the 95th minute and I think the result is correct. Normally when you see the draw you know that Nigeria is going to be the opponent to be first in the group.

“When you come here you hope to have a minimum one point or not to lose the match which was important for us.

“I said before the match that pressure was on Nigeria because they have three successive draws and you know in qualifiers you need to win your home games. For us we are happy with the point. 

“Our group is not of top countries but it is very tricky, look at the results after three games and it is unbelievable. This is something that was the biggest change at Afcon where small countries progressed. 

“You see with the results of teams who are in the second and third round, it was teams that you normally don’t expect at Afcon. And this is the problem in our group because any team can win against any other team.” 

South Africa now turns their attention to their next game against Zimbabwe on Tuesday and hopes for a win.

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