BAFANA Bafana fought gallantly against nemeses Nigeria but it was not enough.
The game ended 1- all during full-time score on penalties.
Losing on penalties is a gamble that one had to face and Nigeria took advantage of it, after Bafana squandered some of the penalties last night during the first semi-finals of the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast.
Another sore-point Bafana took off their foot from the pedal during extra-time, thinking goalminder Ronwen Williams will do justice like he did against Cape Verde. Football is a funny game- “it has no therefore” as once alluded by the late great commentator Cebo “CC” Manyaapelo.
As a result Bafana will play DR Congo for the third bronze medal (Saturday), whom the latter lost to host Ivory Coast in the second semi-final.
Coach Hugo Broos and his technical team will have to quickly forget about Afcon, and prepare for the same Nigeria in the WC Qualifiers in June. This a grudge duel that will never end anytime soon.
Who knows, we might get that monkey off our backs!
My opinion- the team looks well fermented if only, we could add a couple of stronger midfielders in the form of other races. Yes, we need more white players in the team, finish & klaar!
As for Percy Tau, he needs to up his game. His experience is invaluable in the team. Had he brought his A-game we could have converted the chances created.
As for Broos, I think SAFA should do the honest thing and keep him. The Belgian is on a building stage and any interruption would mean WC Qualifiers might be too distant.
I usually don’t celebrate second best- but this time I take my hat off to the boys. We’re seeing that light at the end of a tunnel… Chin-up Bafana.
Nigeria vs host Ivory Coast on Sunday for the finals’ on Sunday.
Image ( Bafana skipper Ronwen Williams played a tremendous role for the team at 2023 Afcon).
