Broos: Don’t Worry About Poor Ghana Friendly

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has played down concerns following his side’s lacklustre performance against Ghana, insisting the team will improve when the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins against Angola on Monday.

Bafana Bafana delivered an uninspiring display against a youthful Black Stars outfit in their final friendly match at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, although the contest was lifted by Sipho Mbule’s stunning goal, which secured a narrow victory for South Africa.

Despite the win, the manner in which Ghana — who fielded a largely second-string side — dominated the early stages of the match raised concerns among supporters.

However, Broos offered an explanation, suggesting his players were reluctant to fully commit to physical challenges with the AFCON looming. South Africa begin their Group B campaign against Angola in Marrakech on Monday.

The former Cameroon coach, who lifted the AFCON trophy in 2017, expressed confidence that his side will be sharper when the tournament gets underway.

He added that the team will be strengthened by the arrival of FCSB defender Siyabonga Ngezana, CD Tondela midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, and Club Brugge attacker Shandre Campbell.

Bafana Bafana are set to depart for Morocco on Wednesday, with Campbell and Sithole expected to join the squad on Thursday.

“I think many times before big tournaments, you don’t always see the game you want to see,” said Broos.

“I’m happy with the result, and it’s always better to go to Morocco with a win rather than a draw or, in the worst case, a defeat.

“But we can do much better than we did. With the tournament starting next week, maybe it was already in the players’ minds — ‘I don’t want to get injured today.’

“For the new players, it’s a big step to suddenly play at this level. But on the other hand, I’m not worried. We still have a few important players joining us on Thursday, and we have four days to make the final preparations.

“I’m sure we’ll be ready on Monday to play against Angola.”

After facing Angola, Bafana Bafana will take on Egypt on Boxing Day in Agadir, in a repeat of the 1998 AFCON final, which South Africa lost 2–0 in Burkina Faso.

They will conclude their Group B fixtures against Zimbabwe, returning to Marrakech.

“Again, it wasn’t the game we wanted to play, but I’m happy with the result,” Broos concluded.