Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed happiness after the team delivered an outstanding performance last night against Algeria, at the Nelson Mandela stadium in Algiers in the FIFA International Series.
The teams played to a six-goal thriller at the packed stadium, in one of the highest scoring games by Bafana Bafana.
The North Africans were the first to take the lead in the 22nd minute, before Themba Zwane equalised for the visitors and scored another to take the lead.
But the Desert Foxes, as Algeria is popularly known, clawed their way back in the 53rd minute to level the score.
Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners restored Bafana Bafana lead in the 65th minute, but the team failed to hold on to the one goal difference, before Algeria equalised in the 70th minute to make it 3-3.
“What a game.It was a fantastic game from both teams, but the performance of South Africa was really good. We played against a very strong team, but I do not think there was much difference between the quality of our game and the quality of the game of Algeria,” said Broos.
The coach applauded the team’s recent performance and confidence, adding that they now don’t have to fear any opponents.
“That means we have progressed in the last few months.
“We showed it at AFCON, and we did it again against Algeria and we don’t have to be afraid of any team in Africa anymore,” highlighted Broos.
The coach acknowledged that the team has managed to build a brotherhood, on and off the pitch.
He said this is important especially when the team is away and playing in hostile away conditions.
“What I saw at AFCON is not only a team being together on the pitch but also outside the pitch and this is important.
“We have 22 players but there are only 11 who can play, and you see those guys on the bench supporting those who are on the pitch.
“This is a good thing and when you see it as a coach you can only be happy. They show togetherness on the pitch, they show they are a team, and everyone does his job.
“They want to win the game and the mentality is good,” explained the coach.
The coach also said that he noted the performance of some players and might include them during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
