Head coach Hugo Broos had plenty of praise for his squad as Bafana Bafana collected an important point against Tunisia to secure a spot in the last 16 of the AFCON.
South Africa were denied a victory to go top of Group E by a rampant Tunisia side just a s desperate to get a victory in order to stay alive in the continental showpiece.
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Tunisia enjoyed 55% of overall ball possession but Bafana were more threatening going forward making 11 attempts at goal, one more than Tunisia's 10. Both teams landed two shots each on target with neither able to break the deadlock.
The 0-0 was ultimately in favour of Bafana who needed just a point to go through to the knockout stages as second behind Mali.
Meanwhile, Tunisia exit the continental competition having finished the group stages without collecting a single victory.
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Speaking to media after the match, a visibly delighted Broos was happy with a matured performance from his side.
What I can tell you is that there is a very happy coach behind this microphone," Broos told journalists.
"Not only because we qualified for the next round, but also about the performance. The coach can be satisfied when he sees his boys working and fighting in the pitch and doing what you asked.
"The coach s very happy when he sees a bunch of guys on the bench who are doing as big as these on the field to support their teammates and I saw this today.
"I saw a family and I saw a team who wanted just one thing - that's going to the next round.
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"We did a good analysis on Tunisia. So, we played a bit low, we played a bit compact because we took also in account that we had one day less of recovery than our opponent. So we had to look a little bit at when and how we made the effort.
"So that's when and how we chose the tactic and I think it was the right one We were good in blocking and Tunisia was nearly not dangerous the entire game. We had some little chances but okay, I think after 90 minutes, South Africa deserves to be in the next round.
Next up for Bafana is a last 16 clash against 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinalists Morocco, to be played on Tuesday, 30 January.
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