Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has opened up on their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after a convincing 3-1 win over Zimbabwe.
Bafana got back to winning ways in Group C thanks to a brace by Thapelo Morena and another goal by Iqraam Rayners.
Broos says Zimbabwe's equaliser just a minute after Rayners opened the scoring in the first minute was a shock to their system and they only got back to being their usual selves in the second stanza.
READ | Bafana sink Zim in vital WC qualifying victory
"It was frustrating because we started very well, very soon in the first-half 1-0 but it [was soon] 1-1. We were shaken by the goal of Zimbabwe, we went too much down and we gave them space and a few times they were dangerous," Broos told SABC Sport.
"So we corrected some things during halftime and you saw another South African team, good football, created chances and I think we deserved the victory.
"Well, Thapelo [Morena] did what I asked during halftime, to look for spaces behind the defence. You see the space was there, we used it very well. Thapelo ois very quick and he made a fantastic run."
Broos only made one change in regulation time after Morena came off the bench at half-time to change the game while Relebohile Mofokeng was only introduced in the dying minutes.
"We were thinking if there was a pressure from Zimbabwe for the last six minutes maybe we should bring more changes but okay the game is finished, 3-1 but I think Rele deserves to play two, three minutes, he's got his first cap and I think he's very happy with it," he said.
Broos also opened up on South Africa's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they are currently second on log, equal on points with leaders Rwanda but with an inferior goal difference.
"Still a long way to go, there are still six games, so there's a lot to lose and also a lot win, for the moment I think we're scheduled, we win the games at home, which is very important," the Belgian said.
"So let's go on like this and if we can go on like this, there's a big chance we'll qualify," he added.
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