Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was full of praise of for striker Evidence Makgopa, who scored the opening goal as South Africa overcame number-one ranked Morocco in the last 16 of the AFCON.
South Africa secured spot in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Ivory Coast thanks to second half goals from Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena.
READ | 'We are not afraid' - Broos throws gauntlet ahead of Morocco clash
In the build-up to the tournament, Broos had come under-fire from section of supporters who were surprised by the Belgian mentor's decision to take Makgopa over Cape Town City's Khanyisa Mayo and Stellenbosch's Iqraam Rayners, who both have scored more goals respectively this season.
Evidence Makgopa gives South Africa a shock lead against Morocco.#JoyAFCON pic.twitter.com/UMt7ETiMlx
— #JoyAFCON (@JoySportsGH) January 30, 2024
Speaking at the post match press conference, Broos had plenty of praise by the progress shown by his squad since a 2-0 defeat to Mali in the opening match.
"I said in the beginning of AFCON that's it's very important that we grow in the tournament, and I think South Africa grew in the tournament.
"We played against Mali, we lost, but then we won against Namibia. A difficult game against Tunisia, today against Morocco. We've grown every day from every match and this is very important.
"I think I gave you the example of the Germans, they were playing not so good in the beginnings [of major tournaments] but as things went on it became easier for them.
Ladies and Gentlemen...Teboho FREAKING Mokoena ????????#AFCON2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/yFxkB54HTi
— Shakes Rampedi (@ShakesRampedi) January 30, 2024
ALSO READ | Sithole opens up on Mokoena partnership
"We have players as you said, we have Themba Zwane who was two times player of the match, today Teboho [Mokoena], that means that we are good as a team and that we have some players that can make a difference and this is important.
"Like today, fantastic free-kick from Teboho, a nice ball from Makgopa. Those who doubted him when he was with us, Makgopa, I always believed in Makgopa.
"Always! This guy, Makgopa, is a very good striker, believe me, and he proved it today. He works hard and he scored a fantastic goal.
Next for Bafana is a quarter-final clash against Cape Verde on Saturday. Kick-off is at 22:00.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!