South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, has stressed that his team needs to grow from its mistakes as they prepare for a crucial game against Namibia in Group E of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Broos knows how important it is to make amends after their disappointing 2-0 loss to Mali in their opening game to prevent a setback against Namibia.
It’s a must-win match between Bafana Bafana and Namibia on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Korhogo’s Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. After surprising group favourites Tunisia with a 1-0 victory, Namibia poses a real threat.
Speaking from the stadium before kickoff, Broos expressed the team’s disappointment in their performance, which was respectable, but they lost to Mali. He stresses the importance of taking lessons from the past and gets ready for a difficult matchup against Namibia, a team that features several players who are South African professionals.
“We were extremely disappointed with the result against Mali, even though we didn’t play a poor game. We are not able to repeat the mistakes we committed in Mali. Before the crucial game, Broos asserts, “We can play a good match in the first and second half,” exhibiting tenacity and drive.
In contrast, Namibia’s victory would be historic as they attempt to make it to the competition’s knockout stages for the first time in three attempts. If the 1996 winners don’t win, their chances of winning could be compromised. The Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium game on Sunday is set to start at 20:00.
