Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has come to the defence of striker Percy Tau following the national team's defeat their AFCON opening match against Mali on Tuesday night.
South Africa started the match strong but failed to make use of their chances, particularly in the 17th minute when Evidence Makgopa was fouled in the box and a penalty was awarded following a VAR review.
In a moment that confused many watching, Teboho Mokoena stood over the ball to take the penalty, before shortly being replaced by Tau, who skied his effort seconds after.
In the second half, Bafana were well and truly dominated and it reflected in the scoreline as Mali's Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoki found the back the back of the net to seal a 2-0 victory.
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Percy Tau miss a golden opportunity to put Bafana Bafana ahead.
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Speaking to media after the match, Broos revealed that three players where selected as designated penalty takers and decided among themselves to take the spot-kick.
The Belgian mentor also defended Tau but admitted that missing the penalty changed the complexion of the match.
"It was three guys before the game on penalty, that was Aubrey, then Mokoena and Percy and they decide on the pitch.
"It's not up to me, the one who feels the best (most confident) takes the penalty.
"So okay, I think Percy took the responsibility, we can't blame him for that, certainly not, because taking a penalty is not easy but it changed the game."
The defeat leaves Bafana at the bottom of Group E while Mali climb to the top. Next for South Africa is second-placed Namibia on Sunday. Kick-off is at 22:00.