Ahead of a last 16 clash against Morocco, Coach Hugo Broos has responded to criticism of Bafana Bafana's style of play so far in the AFCON.
Known for short passes on the ground, Bafana have raised eyebrows, particularly against Namibia for a more aggressive high-ball type of play. South Africa collected one defeat, a win and a draw in an otherwise scrappy run to secure a spot in the last 16, finishing second place behind Mali in Group E.
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Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Morocco, Broos insisted that his side would play the type of football each match required.
"It's very simple, we are playing at the highest level and this is for us it's new, it's a new experience. We've never played on that level, ever (since Broos took over as Bafana coach).
"So that's maybe why you tell me that we don't really show a good game or a good way of playing.
"But in the AFCON, there is [only] one thing important and that is the next game. So, how you play is not important. It's the result that is important.
Stadium familiarisation, at Stade Laurent Pokou, where it all goes down tomorrow night. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #AFCON2023 #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/xU6aHISAcx
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 29, 2024
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"We tried in the three previous games to play in three different ways to get the result. Against Mali, but we didn't really succeed, but we played a good game and we did it against Namibia, then after that against Tunisia, so we wanted to be here today.
"So tomorrow we will see how we play, but again for me, it's not important if after the game people 'say oh wow! They (Bafana) played very good!'.
"No, I rather like it if they say 'Oh wow, they are in the semi-final, the next round!'"
Bafana's match against Morocco will kick off at 22:00.
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