Bafana Bafana reach their first semi-final since 2000

After leading South Africa to the AFCON semi-finals, coach Hugo Broos says the campaign is already a success but his team is hungry for more. Bafana Bafana beat Cape Verde on penalties to reach their first semi-final since 2000. Broos admits his inexperienced squad was nervous but says the pressure is now off against favourites Nigeria.

“Today I saw and felt that my players were really nervous. There was a lot of pressure because everyone wanted to qualify for the semi-finals, and we didn’t play like in our previous matches,” admitted Broos

ℙ????ℕ???????????????? ????ℍ????????????????????????

Bafana Bafana are through to the Semi-Finals!

???????? ????????????????????
???????? ????????????????#SABCSportFootball #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/gC4kdCCxqM

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 3, 2024

Though not expected to advance far, Broos believes the run has raised the profile of South African players and the domestic league. The coach hopes this AFCON success brings more attention to the PSL.

“I think there were many people in South Africa who didn’t believe in the team, but we believed. The players believed that it could happen, and it happened, and I think this is a very good thing for South African football,” said the coach.

“South African players are in the picture now, so that means there will be more interest for South African football.

“I hope that those who saw the games are now convinced that the level of the PSL (Premier Soccer League) has to be higher. We have to work on that,” said the coach.

Broos sees similarities to his AFCON triumph with Cameroon in 2017 when they were underdogs. While not superstitious, he acknowledges the parallel paths. With players believing anything is possible, Broos won’t rule out another improbable title. Despite achieving their target, South Africa’s appetite grows for AFCON glory.

Bafana’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams broke a new AFCON record when he became the first goalkeeper to stop four of Cape Verde’s five spot kicks to help Bafana Bafana advance to the semi-final. Before yesterday’s match, no goalkeeper had made a single save in a penalty shootout at AFCON 2023.

Main image: News24

The post Bafana Bafana reach their first semi-final since 2000 appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.