Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates legend Jabu Mahlangu has come to defence of Bafana Bafana and coach Hugo Broos following their semi-final exit in the AFCON.
South Africa's 2023 AFCON title hopes went up in smoke after suffering a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat in the penalty shootout against the Super Eagles.
The match had ended in a 1-1, thanks to second half goals by William Troot-Ekong and Teboho Mokoena both from the spot.
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Mahlangu took to social media platform Instagram, to give a verdict on Bafana's performance.
"Hard luck to Bafana, you fought well, we dominated the game against Nigeria and against all odds, we were underdogs coming to the tournament. Our team has improved which gives us hope going forward," Mahlangu said.
"Against all odds, we managed to beat Morocco who ranked number one in Africa, we managed to beat Tunisia (Bafana drew 0-0 against Tunisia) and all these other top five ranked teams were knocked out in the group stages and quarter-finals.
"So, we did well guys, heads up. Gents, you still made us proud, we still have another chance for third place. We still have an opportunity to be on the podium.
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"Keep it up Bafana. The team has improved a lot. There is still room for improvement. You played as a team, you were fighting for the flag. You fought for each other.
"I just hope we don't blame anyone. We must win as a team and we must lose as a team and take lessons from the positive things we have done and take the negatives and try to rectify our mistakes moving forward.
"So I'm not going to entertain the blame game. I don't even want to go there. I'm still very proud to be a South African. Bafana, you have brought back our dignity in the African continent.
"We've been a laughing stock for more than two decades. We have to give credit to the players and the technical team.
Bafana take on DR Congo in a third place play-off on Saturday. Kick-off is at 22:00.
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