South Africa coach Hugo Broos is in state of shock following his outfit defeat to Nigeria in the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles advanced to the final of the continental showpiece at the expense of the Bafana Bafana with a thrilling 4-2 victory over in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The match in Bouake saw a dramatic finish, with the referee using video assistance to disallow a goal by Victor Osimhen that would have given Nigeria a 2-0 lead, and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.
Teboho Mokoena converted the spot kick in the 90th minute to force extra time, but Mokoena was one of two South African players to see their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles triumphed.
“Football can be very difficult and unpredictable. My team played very well but it’s sad we lost on penalties and we aren’t in the final, it’s hard to accept it because we played a very good game” he said.
South Africa will now face DR Congo in the third place match scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2023.