Hugo Broos did not appreciate the match against Liberia this Friday. His anger, cold, was directed at journalists. But he wanted to make amends.
Hugo Broos was angry on Friday, March 24. His team, South Africa, by hosting Liberia for the third day of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, had the opportunity to get closer to qualification. But it could not do better than a draw. Beyond the result, it is the manner that displeased the Belgian technician. Because his team was leading 2-0 after a double of Lyle Foster (11th pen, 22nd) before being joined by Tisdell (68th) and especially Sangare (90+1). As a result, Bafana Bafana are third in Group K with a point, tied with Liberia, second. Morocco (1st, 6 pts), being already qualified. The anger of Hugo Broos was very noticeable after the game.
The South African coach came late to the press conference, with a furious face. However, he did not express his displeasure, at least not in words. Hugo Broos simply preferred to leave the journalists on the spot, without answering a single question. He let his assistant Helman Makhelele do the job. But the media men also refused to play along and decided not to ask any more questions.
"I am a human being..."
This Saturday, Hugo Broos decided to come out of his silence. The 2017 African champion with Cameroon put his emotions aside to apologize. "I have not fulfilled my media obligations and I want to apologize. But I am a human being and emotions got the better of me yesterday. I know from experience that it's better not to say anything in the heat of the moment and that's what I did. It was not good, but I think people can understand in such circumstances when you make that decision," he told SAFA.net.
Hugo Broos then returned to the scenario of the game. "When you see the game, it was clear that we were the better team. It was clear that we had many opportunities. But it was also clear that we missed a lot of chances, that in the last half hour we lost control of the game because yes, Liberia was more powerful than us. And yes, in the 91st or 92nd minute, you concede a goal or you lose the victory. His men will have the opportunity to get back on track this Tuesday, March 28, with the return match in Liberia.
